Posted: August 27, 2023 Contributor: Maddie Quinn

The History and Role of Birth Control in Women’s Empowerment

The history of birth control is a long and complex one, dating back to ancient civilizations. In early societies, various methods were used to prevent pregnancy, including the use of herbs and other natural substances. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that birth control truly became a mainstream issue.

Early Birth Control Activism

One of the most significant figures in the history of birth control is Margaret Sanger. Sanger was an American birth control activist who opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in 1916. She also founded the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. Sanger’s work helped to bring birth control into the mainstream and paved the way for the development of modern contraceptives.

The Birth of the Birth Control Pill

The development of the birth control pill in the 1960s was a major turning point in the history of birth control. The pill, which was first approved for use in the United States in 1960, made it easy for women to control their fertility and plan their families. This, in turn, led to a significant increase in women’s participation in the workforce and higher education.

Empowering Women to Choose

Birth control has also played a crucial role in women’s empowerment. It has allowed women to take control of their own bodies and make decisions about their reproductive health. It has also helped to close the gender pay gap and has improved overall gender equality.

Making Birth Control More Accessible

In recent years, there has been a push to make birth control more accessible and affordable, especially with new options like OPill. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all women have access to the birth control methods they need. PRJKT RUBY is committed to providing affordable and accessible contraception to women worldwide.

PSI Partnership

Since our inception, we have been committed to supporting women’s health and well-being, and one of our key initiatives has been to partner with Population Services International (PSI). Through this partnership, PRJKT RUBY has donated over $215,000 to PSI to help women gain access to contraception and family planning services in underserved communities around the world. With your help, we will continue to expand access to contraception worldwide. Thanks for your continued support.