Advocacy for Birth Control:
* Challenging societal norms: In the early 20th century, openly discussing and promoting birth control was considered taboo and even illegal in many places. Sanger faced legal challenges and social backlash for her work.
* Empowering women: Sanger believed that women should have control over their own bodies and reproductive choices. This went against the dominant patriarchal views of the time, which often dictated that women should primarily be mothers.
* Targeting marginalized communities: Sanger's efforts to provide birth control access were initially focused on working-class women and immigrants. This led to accusations that she was trying to limit the populations of certain groups, though she later shifted her focus to broader access.
Eugenics and Social Darwinism:
* Influence of the movement: Sanger was initially influenced by the eugenics movement, a discredited scientific and social philosophy that advocated for selective breeding to improve the human race. She believed that birth control could help prevent the spread of "undesirable" traits.
* Controversial statements: Sanger made statements that were later used to paint her as racist, particularly her views on limiting the reproduction of "the unfit" – which she often referred to as "the feeble-minded", "the diseased", and "the criminal".
* Distance from the movement: While Sanger initially embraced eugenics, she later distanced herself from the movement and focused on providing birth control access for all women, regardless of their background. However, her earlier views continue to be a source of controversy.
Legacy and Debate:
* Champion of reproductive rights: Despite her controversial past, Sanger is considered a pioneer in the fight for women's reproductive rights. She founded the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood.
* Complex and nuanced figure: Sanger's legacy is complex and often debated. While her work contributed significantly to the advancement of women's rights and access to contraception, her earlier views on eugenics remain troubling and have been used to criticize her entire body of work.
Important Note: It's crucial to understand that Sanger's early views on eugenics were deeply embedded in the intellectual climate of her time. However, this does not excuse her problematic statements and beliefs. She was a complex figure who had a profound impact on women's rights, but her legacy remains controversial and requires careful examination.