Doctor In Landmark Abortion Case Dies Of Cancer

SARASOTA (CBSMiami/AP) —  The Boston physician at the center of a landmark abortion case in the 1970's died in Southwest Florida.

Dr. Kenneth Edelin was 74.

Edelin's wife confirmed that he died Monday morning after suffering from cancer.

Edelin made national headlines when he was convicted of manslaughter in 1975 for performing an abortion. That was two years after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized the procedure with its decision on Roe v. Wade.

According to NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Massachusetts Supreme Court later overturned Edelin's guilty verdict. The LDF says Edelin went on to become an outspoken activist and spokesman for reproductive rights. He also served as a chairman of the board of Planned Parenthood. Edelin joined the LDF's senior board in 1986.

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