The role of the federal government.

A review of the role of the federal government in abortion administration in view of prospective legalization of abortion. It is argued that abortion is a woman's right and should be considered purely a medical decision, but it is acknowledged that for political expediency, the majority of Congress is theoretically opposed to abortion. It is expected that this will change in the next 5 years. In the meantime the federal courts have taken the lead in repealing present abortion laws. In light of this, legislation has been introduced in Congress to guarantee safety standards in abortion procedures and equalize abortion laws across the country. The Family Planning Act is providing money to family planning clinics and Section 314 of the Public Health Services Act provides money to state health services where the state sees the need. These are 2 measures that can indirectly provide financial support for abortion. An addendum includes a review of New York State's experience with abortion in its first year of its liberalized abortion law, showing handling of a mass abortion program with increasing safety and efficiency.