Merle Hoffman and CHOICES
CHOICES Women's Medical Center was founded in 1971 by Merle Hoffman, a
leading advocate of women's rights and reproductive freedom. This was
shortly after abortion became legal in New York State, two years before
the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe V Wade decision legalized abortion
nationally.
Ms. Hoffman's deep concerns for women's equality, along with her studies
in social psychology, led her to establish CHOICES in order to provide the
very best in reproductive health care for women of all ages so they can
make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Under her
guidance, at CHOICES, women and their lives have always - and continue -
to come first.
Merle Hoffman has authored numerous papers and articles on women's medical
and political issues, which have been published in national and
international publications including the American Journal of Obstetrics
and Gynecology and the Journal of American Women's Associations.
Based on her concerns and understanding of women's reproductive health
needs, including the right to abortion services, Ms. Hoffman's voice has
been heard in political action and in the media.
An indefatigable and vigorous political organizer, Ms. Hoffman has been
instrumental in guaranteeing abortion rights and encouraging the silent
majority of pro-choice Americans to speak out. In April of 1989, Ms.
Hoffman organized the first pro-choice civil disobedience action at St.
Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. She was a co-founder of the National
Abortion Federation (NAF) and founder of the New York Pro-Choice
Coalition, the first umbrella organization of pro-choice individuals and
organizations committed to ensuring legal, safe abortion in New York.
Due to her leadership role, Ms. Hoffman has been called upon to debate
leaders of the anti-abortion movement and the Religious Right, such as
Jean Head and the Reverend Jerry Falwell. In 1982, Ms. Hoffman produced
wrote and directed the documentary film "Abortion: A Different Light." In
1986, Ms. Hoffman produced and hosted "MH: ON THE ISSUES, a monthly
30-minute cable TV show that reached into the homes of three million
viewers.
She has given lectures and presentations throughout the country, and has
appeared on hundreds of radio and TV programs addressing issues such as
birth control, abortion, women as medical consumers, and other feminist
issues. Ms. Hoffman has attacked the Hyde Amendment, banning federal
funding of abortion, as a violation of the rights of women in general and
poor women in particular. She also convinced congress to pass legislation
requiring the accurate labeling of over-the-counter birth control.
Ms. Hoffman's concern for the needs and rights of her patients led her to
publish two influential studies that received nationwide media attention,
documenting how poverty leads many women to choose abortion and that
nearly half of all women seeking abortions at Choices would pursue an
illegal abortion if Roe v. Wade were reversed.
Ms. Hoffman is Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of ON THE ISSUES: THE
PROGRESSIVE WOMEN'S QUARTERLY. Originally conceived as a newsletter in
1982, ON THE ISSUES grew to have an international reputation as a leading
intellectual, visionary voice in the feminist and progressive community.
It stopped publication as a print magazine in 1999 and is currently being
reborn as an online publication.
In 1992, Ms. Hoffman began work on "Choices East" the first outpatient
feminist medical center in Russia's history. She led Russian feminists in
delivering an open letter to Boris Yeltsin in a call for a Global Mandate
for Choice, demanding better, safer choices for birth control.
Ms. Hoffman presented at the 1995 International Women's Conference in
Beijing at the invitation of the Japanese Association of Feminist
Counseling Practices, addressing an international panel on women's therapy
issues. An ardent supporter of the integration of philosophy with
traditional therapy where appropriate, Ms. Hoffman was appointed to the
American Philosophical Practitioners Association's (APPA) National
Advisory Board August of 2002.
Ms. Hoffman has received many awards during her career. In 1984, the
Department of Corrections of New York City recognized her work. Ms.
Hoffman was included in the "Who's Who of American Women," "Who's Who in
Medicine and Healthcare", as well as "Who's Who in the World." In 1994,
Ms. Hoffman's magazine ON THE ISSUES was presented with an award for
exceptional merit for editorial work regarding rape and the criminal
justice system.
Her outstanding leadership and achievements in the advancement of women's
equality were noted in 1987 and 1995 by the National Organization for
Women (N.O.W.). Her contribution to the well being of women was recognized
from 1988 through 1997, with the Women of Vision award, commendations from
Women's Health Care Services, Ecovisions, Community Action Network, the
National Victim's Center, and the Congress of Racial Equality. Former
Mayor Koch of the City of New York awarded Ms. Hoffman a plaque in
appreciation for her dedicated volunteer service. In 1995, Ms. Hoffman was
awarded the Women's Equality Award by the Long Island National
Organization for Women for her work in advancing equality. On June 10,
1998, Ms. Hoffman received the Women of Power and Influence Award from the
NYC Chapter of the National Organization for Women. Ms. Hoffman also
received an award for lifetime service to the movement from the Veteran
Feminists of America in 2000 and 2002.
She was also the subject of an honorary film called "25 Years of Choices,"
produced by Parke-Davis. In 1999 Duke University acquired Ms. Hoffman's
papers which have become an important collection in the University's
archives.
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| At CHOICES, we emphasize our philosophy of Patient Power, which means being an
informed consumer of medical treatment with the knowledge and information that enables each individual to make appropriate decisions about medical care, whether in the area of general health, surgery or birth control.
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