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Creator
Lader, Lawrence
Call number
MssCol 1678
Physical description
13 linear feet (21 boxes)
Language
Materials in English
Preferred Citation

Lawrence Lader papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Lawrence Lader (1919-2006), was a journalist interested in the issues of birth control and abortion, became active in the abortion repeal movement. When the National Association for Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) was formed in 1969, Lader became the first chairman of NARAL's executive committee, chairman of its board from 1972 to 1976 and then was president of Abortion Rights Mobilization (ARM). He also researched and wrote books and articles on abortion and birth control. Collection contains Lader's research files on abortion and birth control, drafts of his books, questionnaires, papers relating to abortion rights groups, and printed matter. Research files include correspondence, reports, articles, unpublished speeches, legal briefs, pamphlets, brochures, clippings, and leaflets. Writings consist of preliminary and final drafts, galleys and page proofs of Lader's books: Abortion (1966), Abortion II (1973), Foolproof Birth Control (1972), and The Bold Brahmins (1961). There are typescripts of miscellaneous articles and questionnaires with information about individual abortions. Papers, 1977-1985, relating to Abortion Rights Mobilization (ARM) consist of correspondence of Lader as president and collateral papers including legal papers concerning a suit brought by ARM challenging the tax-exempt status of the Roman Catholic Church. Papers, 1970-1975, relating to National Association for Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) include correspondence of Lader when he was chairman, minutes of meetings of the Board, internal memoranda, and publicity materials. Printed matter consists of flyers, brochures, reports, circulars, newsletters, and other print and near-print ephemera mainly from the 1970s concerning abortion, birth control, family planning, and medical and health care needs of women.

Biographical/historical information

Lawrence Lader (1919-2006) was a journalist who became interested in the issues of birth control and abortion. His book Abortion (1966) argued against the near total ban on abortions then in effect in the United States. Lader became active in the abortion repeal movement and helped refer women to doctors who performed illegal abortions. When the National Association to Repeal Abortion Laws was formed in 1969, Lader became the first chairman of NARAL's executive committee, 1969-1972, and later chairman of its board. Because of his activities in NARAL and his frequent speeches and articles on the abortion issue, Lader collected a wide variety of research materials on the topic.

Scope and arrangement

The bulk of the collection consists of Lader's research files on abortion and birth control. These include correspondence, reports, articles, unpublished speeches, legal briefs, pamphlets, brochures, news clippings, and leaflets on all aspects of the issues. These files are arranged according to the chapter of the book for which Lader used them. There are also drafts of his books - Abortion (1966), Abortion II (1973), and Foolproof Birth Control (1972) - and articles. In 1968-1969, Lader wrote two magazine articles based on questionnaires that he sent to women who had recently had illegal abortions. The 500 questionnaires, which provide information on family history, use of birth control techniques, how the abortion was obtained, cost, and psychological and social reactions, often contain personal notes written to Lader by the respondents. There are also some records Lader accumulated as an officer of NARAL.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift of Lawrence Lader, April 5, 1973, with additions received January 6, 1988 and January 29, 1992

Processing information

Collection accessioned December 4, 1982, with additions accessioned June 7, 1988 and February 4, 1993

Related Material

Papers of Lawrence Lader, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328