was fined and imprisoned. Margaret Sanger was a woman in the public arena fighting for the public. People watched her for years. They saw that she never gave up on her cause. Margaret Sanger proved to people that she was powerful-that women could not be ignored and that their rights must be recognized. The longer Sanger worked on her cause, the greater the number of her supporters grew. Her supporters varied from poor workers to physicians and public figures. While the number of influential supporters of birth control grew, the number of supporters of woman’s rights grew along with it. When Sanger started out advocating birth control she had no support. However, her researching in Europe was where she gained many allies for her cause. One particular supporter was Dr. Marie Stopes. Securing the signatures of nine of England’s most famous authors, she wrote an open letter to President Wilson urged him to use his influence “not only for the benefit of Mrs. Sanger, but of humanity”. This well publicized message called for an end to criminal prosecution for circulating material which would be allowed in every country except the United States (Douglas, 90). People were impressed by this English appeal and were eager to help. Included this group of people was, “A group of experienced suffragists who gave Sanger what she had never had before, support from New York’s top social register” (Douglas 90). Another of Sanger’s most influential supporters was Noah Slee-a millionaire whom she later married. In addition to help by particular persons, Sanger also gained support from various groups. For example, she gained support from the New York League of Women voters which had “endorsed repeal of the state Comstock laws” (Douglas, 200). The increase in supporters of birth control directly correlated with the increase in supporters of women’s rights. In recognizin...
