On page 112 of Ragtime, E.L. Doctorow credits Emma Goldman as the author of a pamphlet on family limitation that was actually authored by Margaret Sanger in 1914. The original pamphlet is linked on the Readings page of this website. On Goldman's national tour, she helped distribute copies of the pamphlet about contraceptives and other information Sanger felt women had the right to know. At this time, the distribution, publication, and possession of information about or devices or medications for "unlawful" abortion and contraception were punishable by law under the Comstock Act of 1873. Abortions themselves were illegal and morally condemned. It was thought to be the man's decision if and when to have a baby, a standard Sanger felt was ridiculous considering it would be the woman carrying the baby. Sanger went on to found the American Birth Control League which became Planned Parenthood. The working woman can use direct action by refusing to supply the market with children to be exploited, by refusing to populate the earth with slaves.
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Dramaturgy for the Ragtime musical and novel.© Eliza Pillsbury, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eliza Pillsbury with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Categories
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