The Margaret Sanger Memorial Park - Essay Example

The Margaret Sanger Memorial Park In many ways, there is no other person who has had such a profoundly positive impact on women in the United s. She radicalized birth control, coined the term "family planning," and started the group that would eventually become Planned Parenthood. While many may say that Ms. Sanger's actions were far too liberal, she has consequently saved the lives of millions (if not more) of American women who would have died from poorly done abortions, and from the births of billions of unwanted children, not to mention slowing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. A memorial to Ms. Sanger reminds everyone that her goal was to protect and help women, and that reproductive freedom is as important as any freedom listed in the constitution. Therefore, I propose a memorial dedicated to the memory of Margaret Sanger, to commemorate her hard work in providing freedom of choice for American women. Margaret Sanger worked as a nurse, and as a wife, caring for her three children and husband despite their relative poverty. Having grown up in a poor New York Irish neighborhood, Ms. Sanger (ne Higgens) knew the cost of not having family planning available (Witherbee 1). She had seen women give birth time and again when they already could not support their families (her own mother gave birth to eighteen children, seven stillborn), and others who died because of botched kitchen table abortions. While women of status could get birth control from France (illegally), poor women did not have such an option (Steinem 1). She determined then that all women, regardless of class, should be able to engage in family planning safely and inexpensively. Regardless of the strict Comstock laws, which allowed only men to purchase condoms (not for birth control, but to protect against sexually transmitted diseases), Ms. Sanger wrote books, gave out diagrams, and taught women about sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases (Healy 2). A remarkable woman, who was fined, jailed, and had to exile herself to Europe for a time to escape her opponents, Ms. Sanger was successful in overturning the censorious Comstock laws, in starting Planned Parenthood, still a national organization that protects women's rights and family planning, and in aiding in the creation of "the pill," a remarkable achievement in birth control (Conlin 1). This monument will serve as a direct remembrance for women of how hard the fight for equality has been, and similarly, how much further we as Americans have to go. For the visitor, it will symbolize the strength not only of the need for everyone to have freedom, but also that even one voice, if persistent, can have a huge impact on American society. Ms. Sanger is emblematic of American's, using her freedom and voice to help and protect millions of others. A monument to her can only serve as a monument to every citizen and visitor who believes that one person can make a difference. To create this memorial, I propose a small park, of no more than one city block. The park shall be open on all sides, welcoming people to come and rest. There will be no venders allowed in the park, to allow people to simply enjoy. In one corner of the park, a playground shall be built, commemorating Ms. Sanger's love of children, and belief that children from a planned family will be happy and well cared for. In the center, a statue shall be erected with her image, and on the bottom, a quote "No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her body. No woman can call herself free until she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be a mother" (Think 1). While it will be simple, it is merely a celebration of her life, and allows life to go on around it, much as Ms. Sanger would have wanted. She devoted her life to serving others, and there is no better monument than a place where people can relax and be happy, and to enjoy watching children run and play. Socially, this monument supports women and also those who believe that anyone can make a difference. Financially this monument is possible, through donations from major feminist organizations, Planned Parenthood, and of course individuals who admired what Ms. Sanger did. The monument itself will be on minimal cost, not requiring expensive buildings, or a large area. A similar proposal suggests a monument to Ms. Sanger be built as a museum devoted to her life and works, and display her personal items, and a history and timeline of her life (Papers 1). While this memorial would not, if it were the only proposal be a poor choice, it is not a fitting way to remember Ms. Sanger. To enclose her spirit and hard work in a building would be to limit those who get to enjoy her works to those who actively seek them out, and can afford admission. One of Ms. Sanger's primary goals was to offer opportunities to all people, regardless of financial status, or ability to search for choices. Instead, having a place that all people can enjoy free of cost is more in keeping with her dreams. There is concern that some may not agree with this proposal, not the least of which is the 'pro-life" faction, who do not agree with Ms. Sanger's work. While these people may disagree with abortion, it is important to recognize that her contributions have made profound differences in the number of children women have, and in the raising of families. While the memorial may be controversial, it is of absolute necessity to recognize that America is a diverse place, and that while a small percentage will disagree, the vast majority will be either ambivalent or very much approving of such a memorial. The memorial not only recognizes her, but also the freedom that Americans expect and stand for. Thus, for these reasons and more, I propose a memorial to Ms. Margaret Sanger, activist, feminist, and mother, as a representation of women, and of America. Works Cited Conlin, Michelle. "Birth Control Of a Nation." Business Week (2004): 18-18. Academic Search Premier. 31 May 2006. http://search.epnet.com. Healy, M.D., Bernadine. "What 'girls' should know." U.S. News & World Report 136.2 (2004): 66-66. Academic Search Premier. 31 May 2006. http://search.epnet.com. "Margaret Sanger Papers." Five College Archives and Manuscript Collection. Smith College. 31 May 2006 . Steinem, Gloria. "Margaret Sanger." Time 151,1313, Apr 1998 1-4. 31 May 2006 . Vineyard, Angie. "Where are all the Feminists when you need them." Concerned Women for America. 18, Sep 2002. Beverly LaHaye Institute. 31 May 2006 . Witherbee, Amy. "Chapter One: Background." Margaret Sanger (2005): 1-1. MasterFILE Premier. 31 May 2006. http://search.epnet.com. Witherbee, Amy. "Chapter Two: Educating Women." Margaret Sanger (2005): 2-2. MasterFILE Premier. 31 May 2006. http://search.epnet.com. Witherbee, Amy. "Chapter Three: The Fight for Reproductive Rights." Margaret Sanger (2005): 3-3. MasterFILE Premier. 31 May 2006. http://search.epnet.com. Read More