A timely feature today…
Our book of the week is actually a hundred year old sex ed pamphlet and spotlight on a woman who - ahead of her time - advocated for social reform and women’s reproductive rights.
In 1915, Mary Ware Dennett wrote a revolutionary educational essay, “The Sex Side of Life: An Explanation for Young People” and later, “Birth Control Laws” – a look into the legal aspect of women’s reproductive rights. She believed this information should be available to the women and young people it affected. Of course, this was controversial to the conservative public.
On April 23, 1929, Dennett faced a jury in violation of the Comstock Act, which prohibited “obscene, immoral or indecent” material from being distributed through the US postal system. Dennett’s lawyer argued that the pamphlet was NOT obscene, and restricting her pamphlet from being distributed violated her freedom of speech. Despite this argument, Dennett was fined $300… which she refused to pay.
In 1930, an Appeals court judge ruled that the idea that sex education should not be restricted - deeming her essay decent. Dennett’s conviction was dropped.
Exactly 109 years after the pamphlet was written, we are revisiting Dennett’s story because women’s reproductive rights are yet again being challenged. Today in a Supreme Court hearing, safe and regulated access to medication that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year is deeply at risk.
Mary Ware Dennett’s century old argument is more relevant today than ever: regardless of one’s views on sex education, birth control, or abortion – we should continue to fight for people to be informed and protected.
What a treat! @kaiagerber ’s patient visit brought a magical blend of enchanting story time, Waldo hunts, joyful singing, a dash of Spiderman fun, and, most importantly, an abundance of heartwarming smiles. 😊📚💙 Thank you for Making March Matter and spreading joy to our young patients! #MakeMarchMatter