Document 13: "Can You Afford to Have a Large Family?" Harlem Branch clinic flyer, ca. 1932, Reel 33, Papers of Margaret Sanger, 1900-1966, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
A Harlem clinic publicity photo: Women and Children with clinic nurse
Courtesy Sophia Smith Collection, Northampton, Mass.Introduction
This flyer provides an example of the way the clinic reached out to the community. Written in a question-and-answer format, it gave answers to questions prospective clients might have had about birth control. The language of the flyer spoke to the specific concerns about birth control Harlem residents harbored. It carefully distinguished between birth control and abortion or permanent sterilization. In addition, it legitimated the use of birth control as necessary in the context of the "present crisis of UNEMPLOYMENT" and indicated that spacing children was necessary for good health.
CAN YOU AFFORD TO HAVE A LARGE FAMILY? IF NOT, WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO INCREASE ITS SIZE?
THE PRESENT UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS MEANS WORRY AND ANXIETY FOR PARENTS. CHILDREN ALREADY BORN NEED EVERY CARE AND CONSIDERATION. WHY ADD OTHERS UNTIL THIS CRISIS IS PASSED?
BIRTH CONTROL KNOWLEDGE WILL HELP YOU!
1. What is Birth Control?
It is the conscious control of the Birth rate by means that prevent conception.
2. Is Birth Control the same as Abortion?
NO. It is entirely different. Abortion interrupts and destroys pregnancies — Birth Control or Contraception prevents pregnancies.
3. Is there a Need for Birth Control?
YES. (a) In the case of the poor, and especially in cases of mental and physical ailments.
(b) In the present crisis of UNEMPLOYMENT, where the birth of another child would often mean a family disaster.
4. May Physicians Give Such Advice?
YES. For the cure or prevention of disease.
5. Is the Advice Ever Injurious?
NO. Medical investigations in our, and other Birth Control clinics do not reveal a single case. Absolutely non-injurious methods are given by our staff of women physicians especially trained in modern and most effective contraceptives and technique.
6. Can Anyone Receive Advice?
YES. Whenever there is a health reason.
7. Do you consider "the spacing of children" a health reason?
YES. The medical profession is urging an interval of one and a half to two years between pregnancies in many cases, in order to prevent disease.
WHERE IS THERE A BIRTH CONTROL CLINIC IN HARLEM?
2352 SEVENTH AVENUE
Corner 138th Street
Telephone: BRadhurst 2-3348
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