In the new edition of the New Criterion, Dalrymple reviews a new biography of Margaret Sanger by Jean H. Baker. Sanger founded the organization that later became Planned Parenthood, the largest provider (by far) of abortions in the United States and a focus of political controversy. Dalrymple praises the biography, and while his criticism of Sanger herself is firm, it is not quite as scathing as one might expect:
She… ended up, with Marie Stopes, as the most famous advocate of contraception in the world, whom writers and prime ministers courted and flattered. She was brave, intelligent, a good administrator, and determined to the point of monomania. She was also egotistical, selfish, and not always a devotee of the truth.
He also notes Sanger’s embrace of eugenics, common among the early 20th Century American progressives who were the forerunners of modern liberals. A famous quote from Sanger: “More children from the fit, less from the unfit — that is the chief issue of birth control”.
Update: I forgot the link! The review is here (subscription required).
It did not turn out as she expected.
The responsible use birth control, and the existence of birth control does not affect the irresponsible.
Hi
I wasn’t sure how to get in contact. Did you know TD will be at the Lewes Speakers Festival this summer.
http://www.lewesspeakersfestival.com