This article explores the relationship of feminism, the state, and the law with specific reference to abortion legislation in Canada. It is inspired in part by a kindling of marxist interest in law (Hay et al. 1975, Thompson 1977, Hall et al. 1978, Pashukanis 1978, Cain and Hunt 1979, Fine et al. 1979, Sumner 1979, Fine 1984) and in part by the work of British feminists such as Mary McIntosh, Michele Barrett, Carol Smart, and Elizabeth Wilson.