(Editors Note: this article appeared in a May 1972 Chicago newspaper. The exact source is unknown. Anybody recognize it?)

Chicago-area women's groups have begun a defense fund to pay the legal costs of seven women arrested Wednesday on charges of performing up to 15 abortions a day in two South Shore apartments.

Formation of the fund was announced at a press conference Friday by officials of the Chicago chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women).

Mary Ann Lupa, president of Chicago NOW, said abortion is an "important issue" and the women "deserve the best defense they can have."

The fund is supported by Chicago Women's Liberation Union, Illinois Citizens for Medical Control of Abortions, Illinois Women's Political Caucus, Hyde Park-Kenwood Women" Rights Committee and the South Side Women's Pregnancy Testing Service.

Individuals supporting the effort include Dr. Lonny Meyers, of the Midwest Population Center, and Joanne Horowitz, membership chairman of the American Assn. of University Women.

Contributions can be sent to Abortion Defense Fund, Post Office Box 871, Arlington Heights, Ill., 60006.

Meanwhile, women's groups were gathering for a State St. march and Civic Center Plaza rally Saturday to cap National Women's Abortion Actlon Week here.