London: 2nd October 2008
Exactly 50 years after the death of Dr Marie Stopes, Marie Stopes International, the UK’s leading sexual health charity which bears her name, unveiled a bronze bust in her honour. The ceremony took place at the organisation’s central London clinic (108 Whitfield Street, W1T) which was formerly owned and managed by Dr Stopes herself.
The unveiling, which was attended by her son Harry Stopes-Roe and his wife together with their children and grandchildren, coincides with the Royal Mail’s launch of a commemorative stamp of Dr Marie Stopes on October 14th.
“Marie Stopes was a remarkable pioneer for family planning and women’s rights and it is fitting to remember her many achievements on the 50th anniversary of her death” explained Dana Hovig, CEO at Marie Stopes International.
“She set up the UK’s first ever family planning clinics which offered women of all classes access to free birth control. Thanks to her tireless work and highly publicised campaigning, Marie managed to open up discussion about sex and change public opinion at a time when the Church, society and the medical establishment were opposed to contraception” said Hovig.
“Her drive, determination and pioneering spirit lives on at Marie Stopes International and we are proud of and take inspiration from her many accomplishments,” he added.
To read about the launch of the commemorative stamp, please
click here.
To read more about the life of Marie Stopes, please
click here.