Margaret’s life’s purpose to empower women through education and political activism is heroic. Ms. Sanger’s life’s devotion to women’s health is admirable and has advanced good health and safety for all women through the successes of Griswold v. Connecticut that made birth control legal for all married women. Her efforts were also realized in the passing of Roe v. Wade that gave women legal, safe access to pregnancy termination. The history of women’s reproductive rights provides a clear picture of our androcentric society working with religion to determine society’s standards for our country. Even today, full reproductive rights are in jeopardy of regressing because of the restrictive laws being introduced by the religious right.
We must not forget the efforts of Margaret Sanger and the sacrifices made by the women who fought the second wave of feminism. Because of them, all women in the United States have legal access to birth control and a safe, medical option to terminate a pregnancy should we chose to. Margaret Sanger is the embodiment of feminism which sought reproductive equality and justice for all women. It is my duty as a radical feminist in this third wave to ensure her efforts are not in vain. I must educate myself and my daughter as to what it means to be a woman in our current society. I must also pledge support to political candidates that will vote on legislation that continues to advance the health and wellness of all women.
Resources
Shaw, S., & Lee, J. (2008). Women’s Voices, Feminist Visions: Classic and Contemporary Readings (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages.
Wow, this is powerful stuff! I didn't know all of this history behind the legal access to birth control. It's interesting because the fight continues even today as you see certain politicians, mainly right wing conservatives threatening Planned Parenthood and other organizations that support women's rights in this country. I like that you have pledged to continue to support efforts and those who lend their efforts to the continued advancement of the health and wellness of all women.
ReplyDeleteEloquently written, Sherra. Had I not chosen to read your blog, I never would have known about Margaret Sanger and her history-making dedication to birth control for women. Margaret’s compassion for the woman whom she first helped ignited a flame in her, and she carried that flame like the Olympic torch her entire life. Did you know that the in 1859, the American Medical Association first announced its opposition to abortion? Ironically, Connecticut was the first state to prohibit all abortions, both before and after “quickening” (when the mother first feels fetal movement).
ReplyDeleteIt was a crime in Connecticut for any person to use a drug to prevent conception, but in 1965, the Supreme Court invalidated that law in Griswold v. Connecticut. It only took over a century for women to earn that “right to privacy”.
The Roe v. Wade case, I remember very well. I was a teenager when that took place in 1973. “Jane Roe” was actually an alias to protect the real woman. Wade (Henry) was the district attorney representing Texas. Roe was a single pregnant woman who claimed that Texas violated her constitutional rights by not allowing her to choose to have an abortion without restrictions. The Supreme Court’s decision overturned Texas’ interpretation of the abortion law legalizing abortion in every state.
It’s unbelievable how many women have had to fight for how many years for their rights. You’re absolutely right, Sherra; the fight’s not over. Thank you for your pledge to continue to carry the torch.
Excellent blog. I've read "My Fight for Birth Control" as well and that is one of the most powerful things I have ever read regarding women's rights. Birth control isn't something trivial or just for promiscuous women, as Rush Limbaugh (and many others)would like Americans to believe. Birth control saves women's lives and protects their health.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right that the fight is still going on today. We can't just sit idly by while our rights are being threatened. A woman's body is the property of no one but herself, and she should have the choice to bear children or not.