Margaret Sanger History Timeline and Biographies

1879

Birth of Margaret Sanger

Margaret Sanger was born on September 14, 1879, in Corning, New York, into a large Irish Catholic family. Her early experiences witnessing her mother suffer from numerous pregnancies and ultimately die young from complications influenced her views on women's reproductive rights.

1914

Publication of "The Woman Rebel"

Margaret Sanger published "The Woman Rebel," a monthly magazine advocating for women's right to control their own bodies and access to contraception. This publication marked a significant step in her activism for reproductive rights.

1916

Opening of the First Birth Control Clinic

In October 1916, Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York, which provided women with information about contraception. This clinic was raided by police, leading to Sanger's arrest, but it garnered significant public attention.

1921

Founding of the American Birth Control League

Margaret Sanger founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, which aimed to promote birth control and educate the public about family planning. This organization later evolved into Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

1923

Establishment of the Birth Control Clinical Research Bureau

In 1923, Sanger established the Birth Control Clinical Research Bureau in New York City, which became the first legal birth control clinic in the United States. This clinic provided valuable research and education on contraception.

1936

Federal Court Ruling on Birth Control Information

In 1936, a federal court ruled that physicians could legally disseminate birth control information, a significant victory for Margaret Sanger and the birth control movement. This ruling helped to legitimize the distribution of contraceptive information.

1942

Formation of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Margaret Sanger played a key role in the formation of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America in 1942, uniting various birth control organizations under one umbrella to advocate for reproductive health and rights more effectively.

1952

Launch of the First Oral Contraceptive Trials

In 1952, Sanger helped facilitate the first clinical trials of the oral contraceptive pill, which would revolutionize birth control and women's reproductive health. Her advocacy for contraceptive research was instrumental in its development.

1960

Approval of the Birth Control Pill by the FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraceptive pill in 1960, a milestone that Margaret Sanger had long advocated for, significantly impacting women's ability to control reproduction and family planning.

1966

Sanger's Continued Advocacy and Recognition

Margaret Sanger continued her advocacy for reproductive rights and received numerous accolades for her work, including being honored by various women's organizations. Her influence remained strong in the ongoing fight for women's rights.

1966

Sanger's Death

Margaret Sanger passed away on September 6, 1966, but her legacy continued to shape the landscape of reproductive rights and women's health advocacy. She is remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for birth control access.

1970

Title X Family Planning Program Established

In 1970, the U.S. government established Title X, a program that provided federal funding for family planning services, a direct result of the advocacy work initiated by Margaret Sanger and her contemporaries.

1980

Recognition of Sanger's Contributions

Margaret Sanger was posthumously awarded the Margaret Sanger Award by Planned Parenthood in recognition of her contributions to reproductive health and rights, solidifying her status as a key figure in the movement.

2009

Sanger's Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In 2009, Margaret Sanger was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to women's rights and health, further cementing her legacy in American history.

2021

Centennial of Birth Control Movement Advocacy

The year 2021 marked the centennial of Margaret Sanger's advocacy for birth control, prompting renewed discussions about reproductive rights and the importance of access to contraception for women globally.