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| 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.
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.
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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