Mary Calderone
Mary Calderone
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mary Steichen Calderone was a renowned American physician, sex educator, and advocate for reproductive health.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 1, 1904, in Buffalo, New York, she passed away on April 10, 1998, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Calderone was a proud American citizen, and her career spanned multiple professions: physician, sex educator, and advocate for reproductive health.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Calderone's early life was marked by a strong interest in science and medicine. She pursued her passion, earning a degree in medicine from the University of Rochester in 1927. Her medical training laid the foundation for her future work in sex education and reproductive health.
Major Accomplishments
Calderone's achievements were numerous and far-reaching:
During World War II, she served as a major in the U.S. Army, working at a hospital in Paris where she treated wounded soldiers.
In 1953, she became the first director of the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN), later known as SIECCAN-SEIC.
Calderone was also instrumental in developing sex education programs for schools and communities across North America.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions by Calderone include:
The publication of her book, _Sex Education: Facts and Fictions_ (1960), which aimed to educate the public on accurate information about human sexuality.
Her work with Planned Parenthood, where she served as a medical director from 1955 to 1972.
Calderone's efforts to raise awareness about reproductive health issues, including birth control and family planning.
Impact and Legacy
Mary Calderone's impact on sex education and reproductive health is undeniable. Her tireless advocacy and dedication have left a lasting legacy:
She helped establish sex education as an integral part of school curricula.
Calderone's work paved the way for future generations of sex educators and advocates.
Her commitment to providing accurate information about human sexuality has empowered countless individuals, promoting healthier relationships and decision-making.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mary Calderone is widely quoted and remembered due to her groundbreaking contributions to sex education and reproductive health. Her work continues to inspire and inform contemporary discussions around these topics:
Her commitment to fact-based information about human sexuality has made her a respected voice in the field.
Calderone's dedication to providing accessible, accurate resources for individuals and communities has had far-reaching consequences.
As a pioneering figure in the sex education movement, Calderone's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing effort towards sexual health awareness.
Quotes by Mary Calderone
We’re still a sexophobic society, afraid of the wrong things for the wrong reasons.
Our children are not going to be just ‘our children’ – they are going to be other people’s husbands and wives and the parents of our grandchildren.
Our children are not going to be just 'our children' - they are going to be other people's husbands and wives and the parents of our grandchildren.
I truly feel that there are as many ways of loving as there are people in the world and as there are days in the life of those people.
I don't want to control anybody's mind or anybody's heart -- I just want to help free people from the concert of sex as evil instead of a gift from God.
We're still a sexophobic society, afraid of the wrong things for the wrong reasons.
We have yet to beat our drums for birth control in the way we beat them for polio vaccine. We are still unable to put babies in the class of dangerous epidemics, even though this is the exact truth.
