Clinical Research Bureau

The Clinical Research Bureau operated from this New York building from 1930 to 1973.

Clinical Research Bureau (CRB) was a pioneering organization in the field of reproductive health and birth control in the United States. Established in 1923 by Margaret Sanger, the founder of the American birth control movement, the CRB was the first legal birth control clinic in the United States. Its establishment marked a significant milestone in the history of reproductive rights in the U.S., providing a safe space for women to access birth control and information about family planning.

History

The Clinical Research Bureau was founded amidst a legal and social environment that was largely hostile to birth control. At the time, the Comstock Laws prohibited the dissemination of any birth control information, deeming it obscene. Despite these challenges, Sanger and her colleagues were determined to provide women with the means to control their fertility. The CRB not only offered birth control devices and information but also conducted scientific research to improve contraceptive methods.

In its early years, the CRB operated in secrecy to avoid legal repercussions. However, its existence became widely known after a police raid in 1929, which, paradoxically, led to increased public support and the eventual liberalization of laws regarding birth control information and devices.

Services and Impact

The Clinical Research Bureau played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of reliable birth control methods. It provided a range of services, including contraceptive advice, pregnancy testing, and sterilization counseling. The CRB also conducted extensive research on the effectiveness and safety of various contraceptive methods, contributing significantly to the field of reproductive health.

The work of the CRB and its successor organizations helped to shift public opinion and policies regarding birth control. It laid the groundwork for the modern family planning movement and the establishment of Planned Parenthood, the leading reproductive health care provider in the U.S. today.

Legacy

The legacy of the Clinical Research Bureau is evident in the widespread availability and acceptance of birth control in contemporary society. It played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights and health, enabling women to have greater control over their reproductive lives. The CRB's commitment to scientific research and education in the field of reproductive health continues to inspire current efforts to improve and expand access to birth control and reproductive health services.

See Also

• Margaret Sanger
• Planned Parenthood
• Birth control movement in the United States
• Comstock Laws