Elizabeth Karlin

Elizabeth Ann Karlin (March 3, 1944 – July 27, 1998) was an American doctor of internal medicine and women's health as well a leading advocate for women's reproductive rights. By mentoring the founders of Medical Students for Choice, Karlin helped clinicians to provide women with comprehensive care, including timely access to abortion. Originally from New York City, Karlin worked for a short time in Tanzania, where her husband Steven Feierman was engaging in research, before returning to her home in Madison, Wisconsin where she worked throughout the duration of her career. Through her work with abortion access, Karlin was recognized for her work commitment to serving women and her pro-choice stance. Through her work she became an advocate for women's rights and health issues.

Death and legacy Karlin died at the age of 54 on July 27, 1998, in her home in Wisconsin, due to complications from a brain tumor. She was survived by her children Joshua and Jessica Feierman and her partner Anne Topham. The Elizabeth Karlin Fellowship in Women's Health was created and is awarded by the University of Wisconsin to women who train to become leaders in areas of women's health and women's health research.