About Harvey Karman
Lived 1924 – 2008 (aged 84). Harvey Karman was a psychologist and abortion provider.
Harvey Leroy Karman (April 26, 1924 – May 6, 2008) was an American psychologist and the inventor of the Karman cannula, a flexible suction cannula used for early-term abortions.
Karman was born Harvey Walters in Clatskanie, Oregon. His father abandoned him when Harvey was young. He served two-and-a-half years in state prison.
"Super coils" Karman also developed the "super coil" abortion technique, which he believed would enable lay practitioners to perform second-trimester abortions with little training or equipment.
One trial of the super coil method took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 13 and 14, 1972.
Flexible cannula Karman invented a soft, flexible cannula for abortions. At the time of his death at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California in 2008, it was still in wide use around the world.
Personal life Karman was the father of Janice Karman.
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Important facts
People in Harvey Karman's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Harvey Karman?
American abortion provider (1924-2008)
When was Harvey Karman born?
Harvey Karman was born on 26 April 1924 in Clatskanie.
When did Harvey Karman die?
Harvey Karman died on 6 May 2008 in Santa Barbara.
What was Harvey Karman's occupation?
Harvey Karman was a psychologist and abortion provider.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harvey Karman. https://biography.guide/harvey-karman/
MLA: "Harvey Karman." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harvey-karman/.
Chicago: "Harvey Karman." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harvey-karman/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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