The New Pro-Life Rebels

At the annual NOW convention in 1985, a hundred women had gathered at a workshop to discuss abortion rights. For NOW it was an election year, and the forces of Judy Goldsmith and Eleanor Smeal battled feverishly to see who could be pegged the choicest pro-abortion candidate. In this feminist enclave, one woman approached the open microphone to give her views on abortion. “I’m here representing another feminist view,” Dr. Elise Rose told her sisters. “I’m a pro-life feminist.”

Immediately, NOW members sprang into action. “They’ve infiltrated,” one feminist passed the word. “Call for reinforcements.” A horde of fifty militant pro-choicers poured into the conference room. The Chair interrupted Dr. Rose’s remarks to entertain a motion that she be silenced. Quite democratically, and in accordance with NOW’s established rules, the pro-choice members of the conference voted Dr. Rose out of existence; some women, it seems, may be seen but not heard.

About the Author

Maggie Gallagher

Maggie Gallagher is the author of four books on marriage and is a longtime contributor to National Review.

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At the annual NOW convention in 1985, a hundred women had gathered at a workshop to discuss abortion rights. For NOW it was an election year, and the forces of Judy Goldsmith and Eleanor Smeal battled feverishly to see who could be pegged the choicest pro-abortion candidate. In this feminist enclave, one woman approached the open microphone to give her views on abortion. “I’m here representing another feminist view,” Dr. Elise Rose told her sisters. “I’m a pro-life feminist.”

Immediately, NOW members sprang into action. “They’ve infiltrated,” one feminist passed the word. “Call for reinforcements.” A horde of fifty militant pro-choicers poured into the conference room. The Chair interrupted Dr. Rose’s remarks to entertain a motion that she be silenced. Quite democratically, and in accordance with NOW’s established rules, the pro-choice members of the conference voted Dr. Rose out of existence; some women, it seems, may be seen but not heard.