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Quote by Margaret Sanger

“In passing, we should here recognize the difficulties presented by the idea of 'fit' and 'unfit.' Who is to decide this question? The grosser, the more obvious, the undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind. But among the writings of the representative Eugenists [sic], one cannot ignore the distinct middle-class bias that prevails.”

Quote by Margaret Sanger

Work

The Pivot of Civilization in Historical Perspective: The Birth Control Classic

This scholarly work delves into the historical context of birth control movements, analyzing their evolution and influence on societal structures. It is recognized as a seminal piece in the field of reproductive rights, offering in-depth analysis and discussion of the cultural, social, and political implications of birth control practices throughout history. more

Author

Margaret Sanger
Margaret Sanger

Margaret Sanger was an American activist and founder of the birth control movement. Born on September 14, 1879, and dying on September 6, 1966, Sanger is renowned for her advocacy of reproductive rights and family planning, which was revolutionary at the time. more

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“Hordes of people [are] born, who live, yet who have done absolutely nothing to advance the race one iota. Their lives are hopeless repetitions… Such human weeds clog up the path, drain up the energies and the resources of this little earth. We must clear the way for a better world; we must cultivate our garden.”

“As an advocate of birth control I wish ... to point out that the unbalance between the birth rate of the 'unfit' and the 'fit,' admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization, can never be rectified by the inauguration of a cradle competition between these two classes. In this matter, the example of the inferior classes, the fertility of the feeble-minded, the mentally defective, the poverty-stricken classes, should not be held up for emulation.... On the contrary, the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective.”