In many states, abortion was legal only for cases in which continuance of the pregnancy would be life threatening. California law was relatively liberal and many women came from Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and other states to receive legal abortions.

FPA's two physician founders, Dr. Edward C. Allred and Dr. Kenneth L. Wright, began immediately to concentrate on developing simpler and less expensive abortion procedures. In those early years, Dr. Wright pioneered the use of saline amniocentesis, a technique for terminating pregnancy safely in the second trimester.

The medical expertise of Allred and Wright and their success in simplifying abortion procedures soon made FPA the leading provider of abortion services in California.

First Outpatient Facility

The United States Supreme Court ruled that state laws restricting abortion were unconstitutional in January of 1973 (Roe v. Wade). As part of the decision, the Court ruled that abortions no longer had to be performed in hospitals. This landmark decision opened the way for pregnancy terminations and other family planning services to be provided in outpatient facilities. It was now possible to develop a warmer, more flexible environment and reduce fees.

Several months later, FPA opened Southern California's first major outpatient pregnancy termination facility in Santa Ana. In the years since 1973, twenty-four other facilities have been added with the service area expanded to include Chicago, Illinois, making FPA the largest independent family planning service network in the United States. A list of FPA office locations appears in this web page.

Recognized by Major Health Agencies

A major factor contributing to FPA's rapid growth has been the large number of private and government agencies, as well as physicians in private practice who choose not to perform abortion and sterilization procedures but rather refer their patients to FPA for these services. A list of referring organizations will be provided on request.

Modern Equipment Warm Environments

FPA clinics are supplied with modern medical equipment and staffed by physicians and nurse practitioners who are professionally trained in all aspects of pregnancy prevention and pregnancy termination. Facilities are designed and furnished to provide a warm, comfortable environment in which patients can feel at ease.