Margaret Sanger was a pioneering feminist who advocated the right of women to control their bodies sexually and reproductively. She educated women about contraception and worked tirelessly for its legalization.

Born Margaret Higgins on September 11, 1879, in Corning, New York, Sanger was the sixth of eleven children. Her parents, Anne Purcell and Michael Hennessey Higgins, believed that it was every person's duty to help others and improve their lot. Her father was considered a freethinker who spoke out about labor reform and social equality. The Higgins home was a busy place where meetings were often held for like-minded progressives interested in social reform. The Higgins family was somewhat ostracized by their community for their outspoken activism. Margaret learned early in life to value controversy and to weather criticism.

Throughout Sanger's education, she displayed an interest and a passion for women's history and the push for equality. Sanger taught for...