History Daily, Episode 1307: "Birth Control Activist Margaret Sanger Stands Trial"

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Lindsey Graham

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners back to January 29, 1917, detailing the dramatic events surrounding Margaret Sanger’s arrest and trial for opening an illegal birth control clinic in New York City and her lifelong crusade for reproductive rights. The story charts Sanger’s motivations, the legal obstacles she faced, and the lasting legacy of her activism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Margaret Sanger's Arrest and the Brownsville Clinic

• Opening Scene (00:40):
  The episode vividly opens with Sanger aiding a young mother in her Brooklyn clinic — only for the scene to be interrupted by police pounding on the door. Sanger swiftly ushers her patient out a side door before confronting the officers and being arrested for distributing “lewd and lascivious materials.”
  • "Margaret Sanger is detained for distributing lewd and lascivious materials. ... She will refuse to close her clinic or plead guilty to violating obscenity laws. Instead, she will stand up for what she believes in and face down her accusers in court." (01:33)

2. Sanger’s Early Life and Motivation

• Personal Motivation (06:11):
  Sanger grew up in poverty, one of eleven children, and saw her mother’s health destroyed by repeated pregnancies. These experiences inspired her to pursue prenatal nursing and later, birth control activism.
  • "Margaret became convinced that raising such a large family had cut short her mother's life. The loss had a profound effect on Margaret's future." (07:07)
• The stark divide in birth control access between the wealthy (with discreet medical help) and the poor (often resorting to unsafe abortions) drove Sanger to spread information widely, despite the risks.

3. Confrontation with the Law: The Comstock Act

• The 1873 Comstock Act labeled anything related to contraception as “obscene,” prohibiting its distribution through the mail. Sanger’s pamphleteering drew the attention of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, leading to multiple arrests and, in 1914, her decision to flee to Canada and then England under a false name to avoid trial.
  • "In 1914, Margaret was arrested for breaking this law. It left her with a difficult choice: to either stay ... and face trial, or flee the country..." (08:14)

4. Exile, Learning, and Return

• England’s Influence (09:13):
  During her exile, Sanger found England notably more progressive regarding women's rights and contraception access. Inspired and supported by British activists, she broadened her knowledge and network before deciding to return home when her husband was imprisoned for distributing her newsletters.
• Return and Renewed Activism:
  On her return, and influenced by her husband's sacrifice, Sanger resolved to continue her advocacy, opening clinics in impoverished neighborhoods despite continued legal risk.

5. Establishing the First Birth Control Clinic

• Opening Day (13:30):
  In 1916, Sanger, with her sister Ethel, opened America’s first birth control clinic in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Despite initial skepticism, demand was overwhelming.
  • "When she arrives to open the doors early the following morning, Margaret is thrilled to see a long line of women already waiting on the street outside." (14:54)
• The clinic’s flat fee democratized access; women received direct information about their options, which was both revolutionary and illegal at the time.

6. Police Sting and Arrest (15:57)

• After an undercover policewoman purchased pamphlets, a raid followed. Sanger was again arrested — but this time resolved to use the court case to publicly challenge the law’s injustice.
  • "Margaret rages at the police officers as she's taken away. But her protests make no difference. Instead, she will have to answer for her so called crimes in court." (16:54)

7. The 1917 Trial and Its Aftermath

• Public Support and Media Sensation (19:11):
  On the day of her trial, women and men from all walks of life lined the sidewalks in solidarity. Sanger’s refusal to plead for clemency, insisting she couldn't "support a law that harms women," landed her a 30-day prison sentence — but rallied broad public sympathy.
  • "Just before sentencing, the judge offers Margaret clemency if she promises to obey the law in the future. But Margaret refuses. She declares she cannot support a law that harms women." (20:55)
• The prosecution used testimony from clinic patients to establish she broke the law, but Sanger’s defense successfully reframed the issue as a matter of justice for women.

8. Legacy and Continuing Activism

• Despite legal defeat, the publicity galvanized the birth control movement. Sanger went on to found the American Birth Control League (which became Planned Parenthood) and supported research leading to oral contraception in the 1950s.
  • "She had the moral conviction to put her freedom on the line when she stood trial..." (22:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Margaret Sanger is detained for distributing lewd and lascivious materials. ... She will refuse to close her clinic or plead guilty to violating obscenity laws." (01:33)
• "Margaret became convinced that raising such a large family had cut short her mother's life. The loss had a profound effect on Margaret's future." (07:07)
• "It left her with a difficult choice: to either stay ... and face trial, or flee the country..." (08:14)
• "Just before sentencing, the judge offers Margaret clemency if she promises to obey the law in the future. But Margaret refuses. She declares she cannot support a law that harms women." (20:55)
• "The trial has secured priceless publicity for her cause. And as soon as Margaret completes her sentence, she immediately returns to work." (21:21)

Important Timestamps

• 00:40 — Vivid reenactment of Sanger's arrest at the clinic.
• 06:11 — Introduction to Sanger’s childhood, family struggles, and origin of her conviction.
• 08:14 — Sanger’s first confrontation with the Comstock Act and her subsequent exile.
• 13:30 — Description of Sanger's campaign on the streets and opening of the first clinic.
• 16:54 — Details of the police raid and Sanger’s arrest.
• 19:11 — The day of Sanger’s trial, show of public support, and courtroom drama.
• 20:55 — Sanger’s powerful refusal to accept clemency; judge’s sentencing.
• 22:19 — Overview of Sanger’s legacy and impact on American society.

Episode Tone and Style

Lindsey Graham narrates with dramatic gravitas, using vivid historical reconstruction and compassionate insight to bring Sanger’s ordeal and resilience to life. The episode is engaging, determined, and empathetic — mirroring the courage and controversy at the heart of Margaret Sanger’s story.

For listeners new to the subject, this episode of History Daily provides a compelling, nuanced account of a watershed moment for women's rights, leaving no doubt as to Sanger's lasting impact — and the high personal cost of her convictions.