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One or more portions of this article duplicated other source(s). Infringing material has been rewritten or removed and must not be restored, unless it is duly released under a compatible license. (For more information, please see "using copyrighted works from others" if you are not the copyright holder of this material, or "donating copyrighted materials" if you are.) For legal reasons, we cannot accept copyrighted text or images borrowed from other web sites or published material; such additions will be deleted. Contributors may use copyrighted publications as a source of information, but not as a source of sentences or phrases. Accordingly, the material may be rewritten, but only if it does not infringe on the copyright of the original or plagiarize from that source. Please see our guideline on non-free text for how to properly implement limited quotations of copyrighted text. Wikipedia takes copyright violations very seriously, and persistent violators will be blocked from editing. While we appreciate contributions, we must require all contributors to understand and comply with these policies. Thank you. Moonriddengirl (talk) 00:08, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Titleless citation of Moscow Times

[edit]

I was going to try to fix the broken citation at the end of the Healthcare firsts section; the bit about helping organise a petition to Yeltsin in October 1992. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find anything even vaguely resembling an archive of of the Moscow Times online, but then I don't speak Russian so there are probably better places to look than Google (shocking, I know).

I did, however, run across a few stories which indicate the date in the citation might be a typo; it might be October 31st, like the preceding citation. The reason for suspecting this is that Boris Yeltsin was a little busy on the 13th of October, 1992 in regards to a small matter of withdrawing Russian troops from Lithuania as part of the dismantling of the USSR. Meanwhile over in the USA, that day saw the Vice Presidential debate between Dan Quayle and Al Gore; that may have touched on abortion issues, but I'm not enough of a masochist to find archives of the thing. Besides, it's not like there's any question of who was hopelessly out of his depth in that meeting of minds. --BenM (talk) 08:29, 18 February 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Found References

[edit]

I have been asked to see if I can straighten out the entry for Merle Hoffman and take out the problems that have shown on her entry.

This is the edit I created. I do work as an outside consultant to Choices Women's Medical Center, which she founded. I did find articles that referenced the Open Letter to Boris Yeltsin that were causing issues in the listing. They are hard copies that did not exist online so we have placed scans and PDF's of these online and referenced them. Does this help that issue? I have tried to cite more referenced material as well. I hope this meets your approval. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Sincerely, Mark D Phillips

Suggested edit

Merle Hoffman (born March 6, 1946) is a women’s healthcare pioneer, founder of women’s health and reproductive rights organizations and a prize-winning writer and publisher.

Shortly after New York State legalized abortion in 1971, two years before the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion nationally, Merle Hoffman helped establish [1] one of the country’s first ambulatory abortion centers, Flushing Women's Medical Center. It was the forerunner of Choices Women’s Medical Center[2] which Hoffman founded and serves as President and CEO. Choices is today a full-service healthcare provider, offering gynecological services, pre-natal care, family care, transgender health care, Telemedicine, mental health and other services and is one of the nation’s largest women’s medical facilities.

☒N You need a source for the last sentence. It's otherwise good. Also, when you're referring to Merle Hoffman throughout, make sure to refer to her as 'Hoffman' and don't use her full name per Manual of Style. st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Merle Hoffman is the co-founder of the National Abortion Federation (1976)[3] , the first professional organization of abortion providers in the U.S., and was its first president. She also founded the activist New York Pro-Choice Coalition (1985). Hoffman is the publisher of On the Issues magazine,[4] which began as a print publication in 1983 and then became an online publication in 2008. She was awarded the prestigious Front Page Award for Political Commentary in 2010 from the Newswoman’s Club of New York.[5]

☒N Remove 'prestigious'. It's very promotional sounding. Overall, this needs a restructure. You need to list what she's most notable for to begin with and then go from there. st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Contents

• 1 Personal Life • 2 Early Influences • 2 Career o 2.1 Healthcare Firsts and Innovations o 2.2 Writing, Publishing and Media • 3 Political Activism • 4 Recognition and Awards • 5 Archives and Legacy • 6 References

Personal Life

Merle Hoffman was born in Philadelphia and raised in New York City. Initially intent on becoming a concert pianist, she attended the High School of Music and Art and graduated from Chatham Square Music School. After living and studying music in Paris, Hoffman returned to the United States and graduated from Queens College, Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude (1972). She attended the Social Psychology Doctoral Program at the City University of New York Graduate Center from 1972-1975.

☒N You need sources for this paragraph. st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

In 2005, Hoffman adopted a three-year-old girl from Siberia whom she named Sasharina, a combination of Sasha – meaning defender of humanity – and Irina (her given Russian name) – meaning peace. Her decision to become a mother at 58 was featured in an article in The New York Times (Aug. 5, 2016), Why Some Start Families Late.[6]

☒N Delete last sentence - is it really notable? st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Early Influences

In her memoir, Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom,[7]] Hoffman recounts how she was exposed to feminist activism at Queens College in the late 60s and early 70s. She attended a reading by the writer Anaïs Nin and later a lecture by Florynce Kennedy, “who spoke about lesbianism and abortion, giving the class one of her famous lines: ‘If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.’” In her memoir, Hoffman recalls that her first exposure to abortion had been when she was about ten: “I overheard my parents’ discussion of a Philadelphia physician whose patient had died while he was performing an illegal procedure. To cover for himself, he cut her up in pieces and put her remains down the drain.”[8]

Green tickY This is fine. st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Career

Healthcare Firsts and Innovations

Hoffman co-founded and helped run Flushing Women’s Medical Center (forerunner of Choices Women’s Medical Center) in the borough of Queens in NYC in the spring of 1971, two years before Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide. Hoffman considered many standard medical practices of the day sexist, invasive, and paternalistic. In response, she developed many of the patient-centered tenets and practices that have since become standards of female and feminist healthcare and implemented them at Flushing Women’s.[9] Hoffman’s theory of "Patient Power"[10] led to such now-standard practices as having another staff member in the room with the doctor and patient at all times and developing the concept of informed consent; having other women counselors rather than doctors provide emotional support and answer patients’ questions during abortions; and using patients’ abortion-based clinic visits as an opportunity to provide sexual health education as well as counseling on birth control options. Hoffman was also among the first to urge women to question their doctor about everything from their training and background to the reason for prescribing certain medications. Her work was noted by Francis X. Clines in The New York Times as “making women feel powerful.”[11]

In November, 1974, Hoffman was the initiator and moderator for New York City’s first Women's Health Forum,[12] with speakers including Barbara Ehrenreich and Congresswoman Bella Abzug. In 1975, Hoffman helped develop and introduce a program to diagnosis women with breast cancer in an outpatient center. The program, known as STOP (Second Treatment Option Program), was pathbreaking; prior to its inception women were not consulted as to their diagnosis or treatment options. Previously, doctors had simply removed the breast of any woman whose biopsy came back positive while she was still anesthetized and before she had the opportunity to learn about her options or make decisions.[13]

In 1977, Hoffman called for Congress to pass legislation requiring accurate labeling of over-the-counter birth control, and her efforts in bringing the issue before the public were instrumental in influencing its passage.[14]

When Hoffman learned about the lack of birth control options available to women in Russia[15], she organized and led a trip of physicians and counselors from Choices on a well-publicized educational exchange there[16]. In 1974 she began working with Russian hospitals and doctors to develop CHOICES East, the first feminist outpatient medical center in Russia,[17] and organized Russian feminists to deliver an open letter to Boris Yeltsin on the state of women's health care.[18][19]

Writing, Publishing and Media

In 1982, Hoffman produced, directed and wrote the documentary film, “Abortion: A Different Light,”[20] and in 1986 she produced and hosted the first feminist TV show, MH: On the Issues, a syndicated 30-minute cable TV show. Her first guest was then-Congresswoman Bella Abzug. Others included Betty Friedan and Phyllis Chesler. A documentary film, “25 Years of Choices: Feminism from the Ground Up,” was produced to honor her and her work.[21]

Hoffman's writing has appeared in numerous publications and journals including the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology[22] and the Journal of the American Medical Women's Association.[23] Hoffman also published two studies with Adelphi University in the 80s that documented how poverty leads many women to choose abortions and showed that nearly half the women seeking abortion at CHOICES would pursue one illegally if Roe v. Wade were repealed.[24] The study, “Abortionomics: When Choice is a Necessity – The Impact of Recession on Abortion,” was updated in 2011, and the results were presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19, 2012.[25]

Hoffman began a newsletter for Choices in 1982 which developed into On the Issues, the Progressive Women’s Quarterly, an acclaimed national magazine with an international following, featuring interviews by Merle Hoffman with notable activists and thinkers, including Andrea Dworkin, Congressman John Lewis, Kate Millet, and Elie Weisel. In 2008, On the Issues became an online magazine, extending its reach even further. For both print and online editions, Merle Hoffman wrote editorials on subjects ranging from her visit to San Francisco General Hospital’s AIDS Unit in 1985[26] to a visit to a Rape Crisis Center in South Africa,[27] and what is feels like to be an abortion provider in a time of attacks on clinics and murders of doctors.[28]

The Newswomen's Club of New York awarded Hoffman the Front Page Award for her article "Selecting the Same Sex," published in On The Issues.[29] The essay about the complex issues of sex selection and abortion appeared in the Summer 2009 edition. Hoffman's essay did "a brilliant job with a controversial subject," said syndicated columnist Lenore Skenazy, who presented the Opinion Writing Award to her at a dinner and ceremony in New York on Nov. 4, 2010.

The 1995 Media Award from Community Action NW was given to On the Issues for “Exceptional Merit” for the article, “Let’s Get Tough on Rape,” A Discussion with Prosecutors Liz Holtzman and Alice Vachss by Merle Hoffman.[30]

In 1990, she published an editorial in the Amsterdam News in response to the Central Park jogger rape case.[31]

Merle Hoffman’s memoir, Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, was published in 2012 by Feminist Press. Publishers Weekly review stated that “she eloquently chronicles more than three decades of struggles to keep abortion legal. Readers will learn much about her drive to recast ‘reproductive freedom as a positive moral value.’” Kirkus Reviews called it, “An inspiring story of a woman who participated in ‘one of the greatest revolutions in history’—and is still at the forefront of the struggle.”[32]

Hoffman has been profiled in Forbes.Com (Dec. 5, 2011), Lear’s Magazine (Feb. 2011), and New York Magazine,[33] and interviewed extensively in print, audio and digital media. She has debated major leaders in the anti-choice movement, including the Rev. Jerry Falwell in 1983[34] and has been a featured speaker at numerous events and panel discussions.

Political Activism

Hoffman was an early, outspoken critic of Operation Rescue, an organization dedicated to ending access to abortion by blockading clinics. When, in spring of 1988, Operation Rescue announced it would shut down abortion services in New York City for a week, the New York Pro-Choice Coalition, founded by Hoffman, responded by rebranding those days "Reproductive Freedom Week," organizing a counter protest that drew 1,300 activists and supporters,[35] and dispatching supporters to ensure that every clinic or doctor's offices Operation Rescue targeted remained open. [36][37][38]

During the 1989 New York City Mayoral Race, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Webster that states could limit abortion access, Hoffman and the New York Pro-Choice Coalition held a press conference to rate the candidates on this question.[39]

In 1989 Hoffman also publicly challenged New York City’s Cardinal John O'Connor's support of Operation Rescue, which she deemed "Violent to women," by organizing the first pro-choice civil disobedience action outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Several hundred participated, and nine pro-choice protestors were arrested.[40]

Recognition & Awards

Hoffman has received numerous awards from civic and political organizations, including: • The 2015 “Bella” Award from the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, founded by Liz Abzug, daughter of the late Congresswoman, Bella Abzug.[41] • The Kate Millett Award for Extraordinary Service to the Movement Activism, Vision, Compassion and Courage, from the Veteran Feminists of America, 2013. • The Feminist Press Award for Courage, 2012. • The Women of Power and Influence Award from the NYC Chapter of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Organization_for_Women">National Organization for Women</a>, May 16, 1998; Women’s Equality Award from Long Island NOW Nassau, Inc; Award for Outstanding Leadership in the area of Women’s Reproductive Rights, Women’s History Month 1987, NOW, Queens Chapter. • She has been honored for her work by The City of NY, Ed Koch, Mayor, and the Mayor’s Volunteer Action Center in appreciation of “dedicated volunteer service” and the Department of Corrections of New York City (July 10, 1984); Friends of Animals/Eco-Visions Conference (1994); National Victim's Center and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Coalition (April 23, 1995); the Congress of Racial Equality (March 29, 1977).

In 1995 she was invited to address an international panel on women’s therapy issues at the International Women’s Conference in Beijing.[42] In 1997 she worked with feminists against rape in South Africa. In 2012 she addressed by invitation a Committee of Parliament in London on the nature of the anti-choice threat in Britain.

Archives and Legacy

Merle Hoffman's Archive Collection, which features the On the Issues back catalog, CHOICES documents, and thousands of pages on the Reproductive Rights movement is in the Merle Hoffman Papers Collection, 1994 to 2001, at Duke University.[43]

In 2011, Merle Hoffman endowed a Director’s position for sustained leadership of the Duke University Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture.[44]

External Links: Official Website (http://www.merlehoffman.com) Founder of Choices Women’s Medical Center (http://www.choicesmedical.com/blog/#Founder) On The Issues Magazine Publisher (http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/about-on-the-issues-magazine/)

References

  1. ^ THE FEMINISTING FIVE: MERLE HOFFMAN, 2012
  2. ^ "Choices Women's Medical Center", Founder and History of Choices
  3. ^ "National Abortion Group Organized", Chicago Sun Times, Nov 13, 1976.
  4. ^ "On The Issues Magazine", Online publication
  5. ^ Front Page Awards, Newswomen’s Club of New York City
  6. ^ Why Some Start Families Late, New York Times, Aug. 5, 2016
  7. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, published by the Feminist Press in 2012, ISBN 978-1-55861-751-3
  8. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, p. 44.
  9. ^ "Saving women's lives: a conversation with abortion rights activist Merle Hoffman", Women's Review of Books, March 20, 2004.
  10. ^ “Women Must Exercise their ‘Patient Power’”, San Bernardino Sun, Feb 5, 1980
  11. ^ “Love in a Very Small Place, Making Women Feel Powerful”, The New York Times, Dec. 19, 1978
  12. ^ "First Women's Health Forum", International Journal of Health Services, 1975
  13. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, pp. 101–102.
  14. ^ "Birth Control - The Last Market that Needs Misleading Ads", Los Angeles Times, August 29, 1982
  15. ^ “Russian Roulette, The Women’s Version”, Delaware Medical Journal, Vol. 54, #10
  16. ^ A Danger to Women, The Economist, Oct 24, 1992
  17. ^ "Plans for Western Abortion Clinic Raises New Questions", Moscow Guardian, Mintzer, Laurie Sue, October 31, 1992.
  18. ^ Russian Choices, New York Newsday, March 11, 1994
  19. ^ Open Letter to Boris Yeltsin, 1992
  20. ^ Abortion: A Different Light, Documentary Film, 1982
  21. ^ 25 Years of Choices: Feminism from the Ground Up, Documentary Film, 1986
  22. ^ "Russian Roulette, The Woman's Version", American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, October 15, 1982
  23. ^ "Feminism, power, politics, abortion", Journal of the American Medical Women's Association, November–December 1985
  24. ^ Abortionomics: When Choice is a Necessity – The Impact of Recession on Abortion, On The Issues Magazine, December 2011
  25. ^ Women choose abortions for economic reasons, clinic director says, The National Press Club, January 19, 2012
  26. ^ LOVE AND DEATH ON 86, On The Issues, Volume 5, 1985
  27. ^ Warrior Healers of South Africa, On The Issues, Summer 1997
  28. ^ "Heroism: Theory and Practice", On The Issues, Winter 1995
  29. ^ "Selecting The Same Sex”</a>, On The Issues, Summer 2009
  30. ^ "Let’s Get Tough on Rape, On The Issues, Summer 1994
  31. ^ "A Question of Honor?", Amsterdam News, August 25, 1990
  32. ^ "KIRKUS REVIEW, posted Sept. 21st, 2011
  33. ^ "108 Minutes With Merle Hoffman, New York Magazine, Feb 10, 2012
  34. ^ Falwell Meets Hoffman, On The Issues, Fall 1983
  35. ^ "Dubious Rescue, Anti Choice Militants Strike NY", Village Voice, NYC, May 3, 1988
  36. ^ "Taking A Stand on Abortion", NY Daily News. April 30, 1988.
  37. ^ "Observations in the Wake of "Operation Rescue," The Stakes at the Clinic Door", Revolutionary Worker, May 23, 1988.
  38. ^ "The Battle to Defend Abortion Clinics: Organizing Against Operation Rescue", New York Pro Choice Coalition, May 1988.
  39. ^ “Guiliani Changes His Stance to Accept Right to Abortion”, The New York Times, Aug. 4, 1989
  40. ^ "Reference/Times Topics/Subjects/A/Abortion&scp=1&sq=protest %22st. patrick%27s cathedral%22 %22merle hoffman%22&st=cse 400 Protest an Anti-Abortion Group", The New York Times, April 3, 1989
  41. ^ "hershenson-a-merle-hoffman-receive-bali-award-at-nyc-gala&catid=112&Itemid=792&lang=en CUNY’s Jay Hershenson & Merle Hoffman Receive BALI Award at NYC Gala, The Jewish Voice, May 20, 2015
  42. ^ "Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, China September 1995
  43. ^ "Merle Hoffman Papers". Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University.
  44. ^ "Envisioning the Future of the Sallie Bingham Center, Duke University, March 27, 2014

Markdphillips (talk) 16:52, 17 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Markdphillips, thanks for your edit request. I've collapsed the article into a box to make the talk page easier to read. I'll have a look at this and get back to you. st170etalk 02:18, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]
☒N Not done yet I've had a look at the above for you and I've included a few comments after each of the first few paragraphs (before Careers). In recognition and awards, you need to restructure this because it sounds rather promotional. Be careful with your wording. I also note that you have a few primary sources, please try and use independent sources as these are much better. Phrases like she was an 'early, outspoken critic' - this could be interpreted to be subjective. Rather, include sources to back these up or make them sound more neutral. Have a read through your article again and remove anything that sounds as if it would only do good in a CV/resume. This includes 'being extensively interviewed'. If a claim is backed up by a primary source, then I would recommend you to remove it or else find another source. You use a lot of weasel words like 'acclaimed' - these should be removed to comply with WP:NPOV. What I would recommend is to split this article up into sections and I'll review by section to make it easier for us all.
When you resubmit this, remember to activate the template again or ping me. st170etalk 02:35, 30 December 2016 (UTC)[reply]

New Edit of Merle Hoffman based on your requests

[edit]
Edit request

Merle Hoffman (born March 6, 1946) is a women’s healthcare pioneer, founder of women’s health and reproductive rights organizations and a prize-winning writer and publisher.

Shortly after New York State legalized abortion in 1971, two years before the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion nationally, Merle Hoffman helped establish[1] one of the country’s first ambulatory abortion centers, Flushing Women's Medical Center. It was the forerunner of Choices Women’s Medical Center[2] which Hoffman founded and serves as President and CEO. Choices is a full-service healthcare provider, offering gynecological services, pre-natal care, family care, transgender health care, Telemedicine, mental health and other services.

Hoffman co-founded the National Abortion Federation in 1976[3], the first professional organization of abortion providers in the U.S., and was its first president. She also founded the New York Pro-Choice Coalition in 1985. Hoffman is the publisher of On the Issues magazine, [4] which began as a print publication in 1983 and then became an online publication in 2008. She was awarded the Front Page Award for Political Commentary in 2010 from the Newswoman’s Club of New York. [5]

Contents

• 1 Personal Life • 2 Early Influences • 2 Career o 2.1 Healthcare Firsts and Innovations o 2.2 Writing, Publishing and Media • 3 Political Activism • 4 Recognition and Awards • 5 Archives and Legacy • 6 References

Personal Life

Hoffman was born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in New York City. Initially intent on becoming a concert pianist, she attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City and graduated from Chatham Square Music School. After living and studying music in Paris, Hoffman returned to the United States and graduated from Queens College, Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude in 1972. She attended the Social Psychology Doctoral Program at the City University of New York Graduate Center from 1972-1975. [6]

In 2005, Hoffman adopted a three-year-old girl from Siberia whom she named Sasharina, a combination of Sasha – meaning defender of humanity – and Irina (her given Russian name) – meaning peace. [7]

Early Influences

In her memoir, Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, [8] Hoffman recounts how she was exposed to feminist activism at Queens College in the late 60s and early 70s. She attended a reading by the writer Anaïs Nin and later a lecture by Florynce Kennedy, “who spoke about lesbianism and abortion, giving the class one of her famous lines: ‘If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.’” In her memoir, Hoffman recalls that her first exposure to abortion had been when she was about ten: “I overheard my parents’ discussion of a Philadelphia physician whose patient had died while he was performing an illegal procedure. To cover for himself, he cut her up in pieces and put her remains down the drain.” [9]

Career

Healthcare Firsts and Innovations

Hoffman co-founded and helped run Flushing Women’s Medical Center (forerunner of Choices Women’s Medical Center) in the borough of Queens in NYC in the spring of 1971, two years before Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide. Hoffman considered many standard medical practices of the day sexist, invasive, and paternalistic. In response, she developed many of the patient-centered tenets and practices that have since become standards of female and feminist healthcare and implemented them at Flushing Women’s. [10] Hoffman’s theory of "Patient Power"[11] led to such now-standard practices as having another staff member in the room with the doctor and patient at all times and developing the concept of informed consent; having other women counselors rather than doctors provide emotional support and answer patients’ questions during abortions; and using patients’ abortion-based clinic visits as an opportunity to provide sexual health education as well as counseling on birth control options. Hoffman was also among the first to urge women to question their doctor about everything from their training and background to the reason for prescribing certain medications. Her work was noted by Francis X. Clines in The New York Times as “making women feel powerful.” [12]

In November, 1974, Hoffman was the initiator and moderator for New York City’s first Women's Health Forum, [13] with speakers including Barbara Ehrenreich and Congresswoman Bella Abzug. In 1975, Hoffman helped develop and introduce a program to diagnosis women with breast cancer in an outpatient center. The program, known as STOP (Second Treatment Option Program), was pathbreaking; prior to its inception women were not consulted as to their diagnosis or treatment options. Previously, doctors had simply removed the breast of any woman whose biopsy came back positive while she was still anesthetized and before she had the opportunity to learn about her options or make decisions. [14]

In 1977, Hoffman called for Congress to pass legislation requiring accurate labeling of over-the-counter birth control, and her efforts in bringing the issue before the public were instrumental in influencing its passage. [15]

When Hoffman learned about the lack of birth control options available to women in Russia[16], she organized and led a trip of physicians and counselors from Choices on a well-publicized educational exchange there. [17] In 1974 she began working with Russian hospitals and doctors to develop CHOICES East, the first feminist outpatient medical center in Russia, [18] and organized Russian feminists to deliver an open letter to Boris Yeltsin on the state of women's health care. [19][20]

Writing, Publishing and Media

In 1982, Hoffman produced, directed and wrote the documentary film, “Abortion: A Different Light,” [21] and in 1986 she produced and hosted the first feminist TV show, MH: On the Issues, a syndicated 30-minute cable TV show. Her first guest was then-Congresswoman Bella Abzug. Others included Betty Friedan and Phyllis Chesler. A documentary film, “25 Years of Choices: Feminism from the Ground Up,” was produced to honor her and her work. [22]

Hoffman's writing has appeared in numerous publications and journals including the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology[23] and the Journal of the American Medical Women's Association. [24] Hoffman also published two studies with Adelphi University in the 80s that documented how poverty leads many women to choose abortions and showed that nearly half the women seeking abortion at CHOICES would pursue one illegally if Roe v. Wade were repealed. [25] The study, “Abortionomics: When Choice is a Necessity – The Impact of Recession on Abortion,” was updated in 2011, and the results were presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19, 2012. [26]

Hoffman began a newsletter for Choices in 1982 which developed into On the Issues, the Progressive Women’s Quarterly, an acclaimed national magazine with an international following, featuring interviews by Hoffman with notable activists and thinkers, including Andrea Dworkin, Congressman John Lewis, Kate Millet, and Elie Weisel. In 2008, On the Issues became an online magazine, extending its reach even further. For both print and online editions, Hoffman wrote editorials on subjects ranging from her visit to San Francisco General Hospital’s AIDS Unit in 1985[27] to a visit to a Rape Crisis Center in South Africa, [28] and what is feels like to be an abortion provider in a time of attacks on clinics and murders of doctors. [29]

In 1990, she published an editorial in the Amsterdam News in response to the Central Park jogger rape case. [30]

Hoffman’s memoir, Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, was published in 2012 by Feminist Press. Publishers Weekly review stated that “she eloquently chronicles more than three decades of struggles to keep abortion legal. Readers will learn much about her drive to recast ‘reproductive freedom as a positive moral value.’” Kirkus Reviews called it, “An inspiring story of a woman who participated in ‘one of the greatest revolutions in history’—and is still at the forefront of the struggle.” [31]

Hoffman has been profiled in Forbes.Com (Dec. 5, 2011), Lear’s Magazine (Feb. 2011), and New York Magazine, [32] and interviewed extensively in print, audio and digital media. She has debated major leaders in the anti-choice movement, including the Rev. Jerry Falwell in 1983 [33] and has been a featured speaker at numerous events and panel discussions.

Political Activism

Hoffman was one of the first activists to criticize Operation Rescue, an organization dedicated to ending access to abortion by blockading clinics. When Operation Rescue announced it would shut down abortion services in New York City for a week in the spring of 1988, the New York Pro-Choice Coalition, founded by Hoffman, responded by rebranding those days "Reproductive Freedom Week," organizing a counter protest that drew 1,300 activists and supporters, [34] and dispatching supporters to ensure that every clinic or doctor's offices Operation Rescue targeted remained open. [35][36][37]

During the 1989 New York City Mayoral Race, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Webster that states could limit abortion access, Hoffman and the New York Pro-Choice Coalition held a press conference to rate the candidates on this question. [38]

In 1989 Hoffman also publicly challenged New York City’s Cardinal John O'Connor's support of Operation Rescue, which she deemed "Violent to women," by organizing the first pro-choice civil disobedience action outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Several hundred participated, and nine pro-choice protestors were arrested. [39]

Recognition & Awards

Hoffman received the “Bella” Award from the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, founded by Liz Abzug, daughter of the late Congresswoman, Bella Abzug, in 2015. [40]

In 2012 she addressed by invitation a Committee of Parliament in London on the nature of the anti-choice threat in Britain.

In 1995 she was invited to address an international panel on women’s therapy issues at the International Women’s Conference in Beijing. [41]

The Newswomen's Club of New York awarded Hoffman the Front Page Award for her article "Selecting the Same Sex," published in On The Issues. [42] The essay about the complex issues of sex selection and abortion appeared in the Summer 2009 edition. Hoffman's essay did "a brilliant job with a controversial subject," said syndicated columnist Lenore Skenazy, who presented the Opinion Writing Award to her at a dinner and ceremony in New York on Nov. 4, 2010.

The 1995 Media Award from Community Action NW was given to On the Issues for “Exceptional Merit” for the article, “Let’s Get Tough on Rape,” A Discussion with Prosecutors Liz Holtzman and Alice Vachss by Hoffman. [43]

Hoffman was honored for her work by The City of NY, Ed Koch, Mayor, and the Mayor’s Volunteer Action Center in appreciation of “dedicated volunteer service” and the Department of Corrections of New York City (July 10, 1984); Friends of Animals/Eco-Visions Conference (1994).

Archives and Legacy

Hoffman's Archive Collection, which features the On the Issues back catalog, CHOICES documents, and thousands of pages on the Reproductive Rights movement is in the Merle Hoffman Papers Collection, 1994 to 2001, at Duke University. [44]

In 2011, Hoffman endowed a Director’s position for sustained leadership of the Duke University Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture. [45]

External Links: Official Website (http://www.merlehoffman.com) Founder of Choices Women’s Medical Center (http://www.choicesmedical.com/blog/#Founder) On The Issues Magazine Publisher (http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/about-on-the-issues-magazine/)

References

  1. ^ THE FEMINISTING FIVE: MERLE HOFFMAN, 2012
  2. ^ "Choices Women's Medical Center", Founder and History of Choices
  3. ^ "National Abortion Group Organized", Chicago Sun Times, Nov 13, 1976.
  4. ^ "On The Issues Magazine", Online publication
  5. ^ Front Page Awards, Newswomen’s Club of New York City
  6. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, pp. 17–35.
  7. ^ Why Some Start Families Late, New York Times, Aug. 5, 2016
  8. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, published by the Feminist Press in 2012, ISBN 978-1-55861-751-3
  9. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, p. 44.
  10. ^ "Saving women's lives: a conversation with abortion rights activist Merle Hoffman", Women's Review of Books, March 20, 2004.
  11. ^ “Women Must Exercise their ‘Patient Power’”, San Bernardino Sun, Feb 5, 1980
  12. ^ “Love in a Very Small Place, Making Women Feel Powerful”, The New York Times, Dec. 19, 1978
  13. ^ "First Women's Health Forum", International Journal of Health Services, 1975
  14. ^ Intimate Wars: The Life and Times of the Woman Who Brought Abortion from the Back Alley to the Boardroom, pp. 101–102.
  15. ^ "Birth Control - The Last Market that Needs Misleading Ads", Los Angeles Times, August 29, 1982
  16. ^ “Russian Roulette, The Women’s Version”, Delaware Medical Journal, Vol. 54, #10
  17. ^ A Danger to Women, The Economist, Oct 24, 1992
  18. ^ "Plans for Western Abortion Clinic Raises New Questions", Moscow Guardian, Mintzer, Laurie Sue, October 31, 1992.
  19. ^ Russian Choices, New York Newsday, March 11, 1994
  20. ^ Open Letter to Boris Yeltsin, 1992
  21. ^ Abortion: A Different Light, Documentary Film, 1982
  22. ^ 25 Years of Choices: Feminism from the Ground Up, Documentary Film, 1986
  23. ^ "Russian Roulette, The Woman's Version", American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, October 15, 1982
  24. ^ "Feminism, power, politics, abortion", Journal of the American Medical Women's Association, November–December 1985
  25. ^ Abortionomics: When Choice is a Necessity – The Impact of Recession on Abortion, On The Issues Magazine, December 2011
  26. ^ Women choose abortions for economic reasons, clinic director says, The National Press Club, January 19, 2012
  27. ^ LOVE AND DEATH ON 86, On The Issues, Volume 5, 1985
  28. ^ Warrior Healers of South Africa, On The Issues, Summer 1997
  29. ^ "Heroism: Theory and Practice", On The Issues, Winter 1995
  30. ^ "A Question of Honor?", Amsterdam News, August 25, 1990
  31. ^ "KIRKUS REVIEW, posted Sept. 21st, 2011
  32. ^ "108 Minutes With Merle Hoffman, New York Magazine, Feb 10, 2012
  33. ^ Falwell Meets Hoffman, On The Issues, Fall 1983
  34. ^ "Dubious Rescue, Anti Choice Militants Strike NY", Village Voice, NYC, May 3, 1988
  35. ^ "Taking A Stand on Abortion", NY Daily News. April 30, 1988.
  36. ^ "Observations in the Wake of "Operation Rescue," The Stakes at the Clinic Door", Revolutionary Worker, May 23, 1988.
  37. ^ "The Battle to Defend Abortion Clinics: Organizing Against Operation Rescue", New York Pro Choice Coalition, May 1988.
  38. ^ “Guiliani Changes His Stance to Accept Right to Abortion”, The New York Times, Aug. 4, 1989
  39. ^ "Reference/Times Topics/Subjects/A/Abortion&scp=1&sq=protest %22st. patrick%27s cathedral%22 %22merle hoffman%22&st=cse 400 Protest an Anti-Abortion Group", The New York Times, April 3, 1989
  40. ^ "hershenson-a-merle-hoffman-receive-bali-award-at-nyc-gala&catid=112&Itemid=792&lang=en CUNY’s Jay Hershenson & Merle Hoffman Receive BALI Award at NYC Gala, The Jewish Voice, May 20, 2015
  41. ^ "Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, China September 1995
  42. ^ "Selecting The Same Sex”, On The Issues, Summer 2009
  43. ^ "Let’s Get Tough on Rape, On The Issues, Summer 1994
  44. ^ "Merle Hoffman Papers". Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University.
  45. ^ "Envisioning the Future of the Sallie Bingham Center, Duke University, March 27, 2014

Markdphillips (talk) 18:34, 30 January 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Pinging St170e on your behalf, since he mentioned it in the section above. jd22292 (Jalen D. Folf) (talk) 00:23, 1 August 2017 (UTC)[reply]
 In progress Hi Markdphillips, apologies for the delay in responding to this edit request. I'll review this now. I've also collapsed your edit request to make the talk page more navigable. st170e 17:01, 27 August 2017 (UTC)[reply]
 Partly done This draft is better than the previously proposed draft. I'm not implementing the edits in full, though. I've gone through this section by section and compared it to the current draft and judged whether the edits were an improvement or not:
Introduction - The current introduction is not written from a neutral point of view so I've copied your introduction into the article with the exception of the first line. I've kept the first sentence from the current article because it reads better - your proposal for the first line is awkwardly worded and it would be better to keep it as it is.
Personal life - I've used entirely your version but named it 'Early life'.
Recognition and awards - I've removed some sentences about her addressing conferences; I'm not entirely surely this is notable for inclusion. I'd argue it's clutching at straws for recognition.
Political activism - removed the section about her being profiled by Forbes and being 'interviewed extensively' - this isn't notable for inclusion.
Healthcare firsts - I've put quotation marks around "firsts" (keeping in line with the non-edited version of the article) and removed the section which described her Congress efforts as 'instrumental' - this doesn't keep in line with WP:NPOV.
Grammar - I've corrected a few things and de-capitalised certain sections.
I've implemented your draft in full other than the changes I've outlined above. Have a look at the article and let me know if it's fine. If you don't agree with any of my changes, let me know below. All the best, st170e 17:21, 27 August 2017 (UTC)[reply]
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