Who was Franz S. Leichter? American Politician and Fighter For Progressive Causes Dead at 92

Franz S. Leichter was an American politician and fighter for progressive causes. He drafted a bill expanding abortion rights together with Republican Assemblywoman Constance Cook of upstate Tompkins County, New York, proposing legislation that included no restrictions on the practice of abortion.

The bill was passed in the Senate on March 8, 1970, after five hours of debate by a vote of 31-26. For the Assembly, the bill was amended to allow for women to have abortions until their 24th week of pregnancy or at any time to protect the life of the mother.

Leichter died from several health complications. He battled cognitive heart failure and recently also battled pneumonia, as well as end-stage renal failure. His death occurred on June 11, 2023, at age 92.

He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in November 1968, and remained in the Assembly until 1974, sitting in the 178th, 179th, and 180th New York State Legislatures.