Planned Parenthood Direct Celebrates Women’s History Month by Honoring Katharine McCormick

March marks the start of Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible women who have shaped our world. Today, let’s shine a spotlight on Katharine McCormick – a true trailblazer whose courage and determination transformed the landscape of reproductive rights. 

During the early 1920s, when discussions about birth control were taboo and access was restricted in the United States, Katharine McCormick fearlessly defied societal norms to champion women’s autonomy over their bodies. Using her privilege and wealth, she became a driving force behind the birth control movement in the United States. 

Katharine’s bold initiative involved traversing continents and navigating bureaucratic barriers to smuggle diaphragms – a revolutionary form of contraception – to the first birth control clinic in the country. With unparalleled determination, she posed as a scientist, strategically placed mass orders from European manufacturers, and ingeniously concealed the diaphragms within the linings of her fashionable coats and garments. Despite the risks, Katharine successfully transported over a thousand diaphragms to the clinic, defying the oppressive laws and societal expectations. 

But Katharine’s legacy extends far beyond her daring acts of defiance. In the 1950s, recognizing the urgent need for more accessible and effective contraception, she dedicated $2 million in funding – around $20 million in today’s dollars – to the development of the first contraceptive pill. Her visionary contributions paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in reproductive healthcare, empowering countless individuals to take control of their reproductive destinies. 

So, the next time you open the Planned Parenthood Direct app to request birth control, give a nod to Katharine McCormick’s remarkable legacy. Her daring spirit and unwavering commitment to women’s rights continues to inspire us to advocate for equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all.