Margaret Higgins Sanger (1879-1966) was an American birth control activist, sex educator, and nurse, best known for her advocacy of contraception and women's reproductive rights. She is credited as the founder of the modern birth control movement and was instrumental in bringing the issue of family planning into the public discourse.
Born in Corning, New York, Sanger became passionate about reproductive health after witnessing the devastating impact of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions on women and families. She devoted her life to promoting birth control as a means to empower women to take control of their own reproductive health and to improve the overall well-being of individuals and families.
Sanger founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Through her activism, writings, and speaking engagements, she aimed to challenge the moral, legal, and social barriers that hindered women's access to contraception and family planning services.
Despite facing numerous legal challenges, including several arrests for distributing information on birth control, Sanger persisted in her mission to secure the right for women to control their own bodies and reproductive choices. Her relentless efforts contributed to the eventual legalization of contraception in the United States and the establishment of accessible family planning clinics worldwide.
Margaret Sanger's legacy continues to shape the discourse surrounding reproductive rights and women's health. Her advocacy work has had a profound impact on promoting gender equality, empowering women, and expanding access to contraception and reproductive healthcare globally.
