Birth control movement in the United States

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The Woman Rebel, March 1914, Vol 1, No. 1

Birth Control Movement in the United States

The Birth Control Movement in the United States was a social reform campaign from the early 20th century that aimed to increase the availability of contraception in the U.S. through education, legalization, and development of birth control methods. The movement played a crucial role in changing public perceptions about contraception, leading to significant changes in laws and societal attitudes towards reproductive rights.

History

The birth control movement in the United States began in earnest in the early 20th century, spearheaded by activists like Margaret Sanger, who is often credited as the founder of the American birth control movement. Sanger, a nurse, was motivated by her work with poor women in New York City, witnessing the struggles they faced due to frequent childbirth, illegal abortions, and lack of access to contraception.

In 1916, Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the U.S. in Brooklyn, New York, which was illegal at the time. She was arrested and the clinic was shut down, but this event sparked a nationwide debate about contraception and women's reproductive rights. Sanger continued her advocacy, founding the American Birth Control League in 1921, which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Legal Battles and Legislation

The birth control movement faced significant legal challenges. Under the Comstock Laws of 1873, the distribution of contraceptive information and devices was banned in the U.S. as obscene material. Activists challenged these laws, leading to landmark court cases that gradually eroded the legal barriers to birth control.

One such case was United States v. One Package of Japanese Pessaries (1936), which allowed physicians to distribute contraceptives and contraceptive information for the purpose of preventing disease. This case was a turning point, paving the way for more widespread distribution of birth control.

In 1965, the Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut struck down one of the last remaining Comstock laws, making it legal for married couples to use birth control. This was followed by Eisenstadt v. Baird (1972), which extended the right to use birth control to unmarried individuals, further solidifying the legal status of contraception in the United States.

Impact and Legacy

The birth control movement has had a profound impact on American society. It has contributed to the empowerment of women by allowing them more control over their reproductive lives, facilitated the growth of the feminist movement, and led to increased public and private support for family planning services.

The movement also spurred the development and approval of new contraceptive methods, including the birth control pill in the 1960s, which revolutionized women's reproductive health and freedom.

Contemporary Issues

Despite its successes, the birth control movement still faces challenges today, including ongoing debates over the morality and legality of contraception, access to affordable birth control, and the politicization of reproductive rights.

See Also

• Feminism in the United States
• Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• Reproductive Rights
• Women's Health