Margaret Sanger

Date of Birth: September 14, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 6, 1966

Biography

Margaret Sanger was a prominent American birth control activist, sex educator, writer, and nurse. Born on September 14, 1879, in Corning, New York, she is best known for her pioneering work in the field of reproductive rights and for founding organizations that evolved into what is known today as Planned Parenthood. Sanger’s life mission was to ensure that women had the right to make decisions about their own bodies, a radical idea at the time. Sanger’s activism began in earnest in the early 20th century, a time when discussing contraception was taboo and often illegal. She was arrested multiple times for her efforts to distribute birth control information and devices. In 1916, she opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in Brooklyn, New York, which led to her arrest and a subsequent court case that eventually helped to change laws regarding women’s reproductive rights. Throughout her life, Sanger authored numerous books and articles, and she lectured extensively on the importance of birth control. Her work laid the groundwork for the modern family planning movement and had a profound impact on women’s health and autonomy.

5 Interesting Facts about Margaret Sanger

1. Margaret Sanger coined the term “birth control.”

2. She founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, which later became Planned Parenthood.

3. Sanger was instrumental in the development and approval of the first oral contraceptive pill in the 1960s.

4. She faced numerous legal battles and was arrested at least eight times for her activism.

5. Sanger’s work extended internationally; she helped to establish birth control clinics in countries such as Japan and India.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Margaret Sanger

1. “No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her own body.”

2. “A free race cannot be born of slave mothers.”

3. “The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.”

4. “Woman must have her freedom, the fundamental freedom of choosing whether or not she will be a mother and how many children she will have.”

5. “The real hope of the world lies in the prevention of war. What better way to prevent war than to limit the population?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Margaret Sanger did not amass significant personal wealth from her activism. Her net worth was modest, as she dedicated her life to social causes rather than personal financial gain.