The Abortion Collection is comprised of mostly published materials. Articles, pamphlets, newsletters, books, newspaper clippings, legislative records, memorabilia, and audiovisual materials document the efforts of both the pro-life and pro-choice movements from the 1930s to the present, although the bulk of the collection dates from the 1970s. The Legal status series documents specific court cases, with an emphasis on the Roe v. Wade case (1973), and includes court transcripts and audiotapes from the Supreme Court hearing. Organizations represented include the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and the Women's National Abortion Action Coalition (WONAAC). There are also clippings and newsletters on abortion-related issues in countries other than the United States. The Opposition series includes memorabilia, printed material, books and videotapes related to the anti-abortion rights movement.

This collection is organized into five series:

• I. General
• II. Legal Status: Legislation
• III. Organizations
• IV. Countries
• V. Opposition
• Books on Shelf