| Birth Date: | November 2, 1918 |
| Birth Place: | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Death Date: | June 19, 1994 |
| Alma Mater: | College of St. Scholastica |
| Occupation: | Anti-abortion Activist |
Erma Clardy Craven (November 2, 1918 - June 19, 1994) was an African American anti-abortion activist and leader in several anti-abortion advocacy groups, including the National Right to Life Committee and Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.[1]
Craven was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended South High School.[2] She then attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where she earned her bachelor's in social work. After she graduated, she worked in an ammunition plant supporting the American World War II effort. She returned to Minneapolis in the 1950s.[3]
Craven published multiple works on the topic of abortion during her lifetime. In 1972, she published an essay titled "Abortion, Poverty and Black Genocide: Gifts to the Poor?" The work has since become a "classic read for [anti-abortion] activists across the country.[4] [5] " This reflected her lifelong concern that abortion functioned as a form of eugenics against African Americans by the federal government.[6]
In 1976, Craven addressed the Democratic National Convention, where she seconded the nomination of Ellen McCormack.[3] [7]
Craven long favored education about birth control instead of abortion, and was concerned about the increasing alliance between anti-abortion activists and conservatives in the United States during the 20th century.
Craven described herself as a "liberal democrat and a radical Methodist.[8] "
Craven had at least one son, James Craven, who is an actor.