Mary Calderone

Date of Birth: July 1, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: October 24, 1998

Biography

Mary Steichen Calderone was an influential American physician, public health advocate, and a pioneer in the field of sex education. Born into a family with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage—her father was the renowned photographer Edward Steichen—Mary was exposed to progressive ideas from an early age. She graduated from Vassar College in 1925, earned a medical degree from the University of Rochester in 1939, and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University in 1942. Calderone initially worked as a physician before joining the American Public Health Association, and then the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). She became the Medical Director of PPFA in 1953, where she played a key role in promoting reproductive rights and access to contraception. In 1964, she co-founded the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), an organization dedicated to advancing comprehensive sex education. Her work was groundbreaking and often controversial, but she remained steadfast in her commitment to educating the public about sexual health and rights.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary Calderone

1. Mary Calderone was instrumental in the legalization of birth control in the United States.

2. She published several influential books on sexual health and education, including “The Family Book About Sexuality.”

3. Calderone was a strong advocate for comprehensive sex education in schools, believing it was essential for healthy development.

4. She received numerous awards and honors for her work in public health and sex education.

5. Despite facing significant opposition, Calderone’s efforts led to more open discussions about sexuality and reproductive health in America.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Calderone

1. “Sex education is a vehicle for changing the world.”

2. “To educate people about sex is to break down the barriers of ignorance, fear, and prejudice.”

3. “We must take the shame out of sex.”

4. “The public has a right to know about the facts of life, and it is our responsibility to provide that information.”

5. “The essence of sexual health is the acceptance of one’s own sexuality.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mary Calderone was primarily a public servant and advocate; she did not amass substantial personal wealth. Her net worth was modest, reflective of her career in public health and education.

Children

Mary Calderone had two daughters, Nell and Linda Calderone. She balanced her demanding career with raising her children, often involving them in her educational pursuits and advocacy work.