Blessed Are the Barren: The Social Policy of Planned Parenthood

by Robert G. Marshall, Charles A. Donovan

This is an extensively documented, painstakingly written, and meticulously researched account of the rise, growth, and pervasive influence of Planned Parenthood in 20th century America. It records the impact of the twin rivers of PP philosophy--eugenic population control and sexual amorality--on law and public policy in the United States.

375 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[James]

9/10

[Sarah]

Well researched and with ample documentation, this chronicles how Planned Parenthood got started. It's an old book, but it covers the history of this controversial organization well. it talks about Sanger's views of the disabled and all those she considered inferior, gives startling information about others who wrote for her Birth Control Review, including one cohort of hers that was instrumental in orchestrating the Nazi sterilization campaign that preceded the Holocaust.

With impossible-to-refute quotes, the book shows how PP has flip flopped on the safety of birth control methods such as the pill and IUD, and on abortion's safety as well, and how PP's officials admitted things among themselves that they would go on to deny in public.

There is a great deal of good information here, and since the book is about the history of PP, it is not as dated as one might think.