The National Coalition of Abortion Providers (NCAP) was founded in 1990 and was based in Washington, D.C. It was a trade organization representing independent abortion providers in the United States, and was formed as a response to the success of Planned Parenthood, as well as to offer independent clinics a means of representation in Washington.
From its inception in 1990, NCAP was led by executive director Ron Fitzsimmons, who lobbied on providers' behalf and also organized annual meetings and other activities. Fitzsimmons received nationwide attention due to his remarks on the partial-birth abortion ban debate, including an interview with the New York Times in 1997, in which he admitted to lying about the prevalence of the procedure. Despite the media storm and the political backfire against the pro-choice movement, he remained at NCAP until 2004. He was followed by Jane Bovard (2004-2005) and Steven Emmert (2005-2007).
The National Coalition of Abortion Providers dissolved and merged with the Abortion Conversation Project to form the Abortion Care Network, which began operations in 2008.
From the guide to the National Coalition of Abortion Providers Records, 1990-2009, (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
