From Botany to Birth Control: The Extraordinary Life of Marie Stopes

Welcome to Chapter 3 of Feminist Musing; the next on the list is Marie Stopes. I am Reet Hande, and let's learn about Marie from a feminist lens. 

Marie Stopes, a name that resonates with both controversy and groundbreaking contributions, was a woman of many talents. From her unexpected journey into the world of botany to her pioneering work in advocating for birth control, Stopes left an indelible mark on society. Join us on a whimsical journey through the life and legacy of this remarkable British botanist and social worker.

Early Life and Education

Marie Stopes was not your typical scientist. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1880, she hailed from a family where intellectual pursuits were encouraged. Her father, an architect, and her mother, a scholar of Shakespeare and a women's education advocate, set the stage for her future endeavors. Marie quickly showed her determination by completing a science degree from University College, London, in just two years, earning her the Gold Medal for biology along the way. Even early on, she was unafraid to challenge societal norms.

Marie Stopes' Contributions to Botany

Stopes' journey into the world of botany began as she embarked on postgraduate studies in paleobotany, focusing on fossil plants. She eventually earned her doctorate from the University of Munich in 1904. Her work led her to explore the mysteries of coal mining, shedding new light on the origin of coal, a substance that powered the British Empire. Stopes' discoveries proved to be of immense economic and social importance, establishing her as a pioneering scientist.

Advocacy for Birth Control

While her early career was steeped in paleobotany, Marie Stopes would soon pivot towards another realm entirely – human sexuality and birth control. Her personal life played a role in this shift, as her first marriage to botanist Reginald Ruggles Gates ended in an annulment due to impotence. This life-altering experience led her to explore the topics of sex, marriage, and childbirth, igniting her passion for birth control advocacy.

The Establishment of Birth Control Clinics

In 1921, Stopes founded the United Kingdom's first instructional clinic for contraception in the Holloway district of London. Contrary to popular belief, she was not a medical professional but believed that educating women about their contraceptive options was crucial. Her clinics aimed to empower women and promote the idea of eugenic birth control, which was a controversial stance.

Controversies Surrounding Marie Stopes

Stopes' work was met with vehement opposition, especially from Roman Catholics. Her advocacy for eugenic birth control, where she believed in preventing certain classes of women from having children, raised ethical concerns. Additionally, her correspondence with Hitler and her belief in creating a super race added more layers of controversy to her legacy.

Marie Stopes as a Feminist Icon

While her scientific pursuits were impressive, Marie Stopes' legacy goes beyond fossils and coal. She was a fervent advocate for women's rights and an early feminist icon. During World War I, she turned her attention to marriage and sexuality. Her book "Married Love," published in 1918, became the first sex manual aimed at women. It was followed by "Wise Parenthood," a guide to birth control, in the same year. Stopes believed that women should have control over their bodies and choices, a radical idea for her time. 

3 Less Known Facts about Marie Stopes

Japanese Expedition for Love: Stopes' scientific journey to Japan in 1907 was not just about solving Darwin's mystery of the evolutionary origin of flowers. It was also an attempt to rekindle a romance with Japanese botanist Kenjiro Fuiji, which ultimately fizzled out, leading to a bitter bout of sour grapes.

Hired Gun for Geological Dispute: The Canadian Government hired Stopes in 1910 to resolve a geological dispute about the age of rocks in New Brunswick. She not only solved the problem but left her elderly, male colleagues speechless.

Multitasking Marvel: Stopes' ability to multitask was astounding. While conducting research on coal, she wrote "Married Love" in 1916, the first sex manual aimed at women, and followed it up with "Wise Parenthood" in 1918, a best-selling guide to birth control.

Legacy and Impact

Marie Stopes' legacy is a complex tapestry of pioneering science, controversial advocacy, and a fearless spirit. While her eugenic views remain contentious, her contributions to birth control education and women's empowerment cannot be denied. Her work paved the way for more open discussions about sexuality and reproductive rights, influencing the Church of England's stance on birth control and leaving an indelible mark on history.

Conclusion

Marie Stopes' life journey from the world of fossil plants to the forefront of birth control advocacy is nothing short of remarkable. Her fearless pursuit of knowledge, controversial viewpoints, and pioneering work in women's health make her a figure worth remembering. Despite the controversies that surround her, she undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of sexual health and women's rights in the 20th century. Marie Stopes may have started as a botanist, but she blossomed into a feminist icon and a trailblazer in her own right. 

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