A Woman's Path to Liberation

May 10, 1960

A few days ago, the news said that birth control was legalized in America. This is a huge step forward for women. The group says that now a woman can go to school or focus on a career while not being scared of pregnancy. The pill will help women all over the United States. But it still won't help me.

We talked about a woman named Margaret Sanger today in our group. Janine said her work was finally coming to fruition. We talked about the prevalence of self-induced abortions in the early days. It makes me sick. We read an excerpt from The Woman Rebel, the newsletter by Sanger; it was truly inspired. Now women all over have access to contraception. Hopefully, women won't feel the need to use abortion as a means of contraception any longer.

James and I haven't talked a whole lot over the last month. I still have dinner prepared for him when he arrives home from work, but I don't make as many different meals as I used to. I haven't used the oven for baking in ages. I have started to avoid intercourse with him. It isn't a conscious thought, I am just not ready yet. It is becoming a source of tension in our marriage, but it is just so painful to remember the three babies I have lost.

November 15, 1960

I am learning about more and more advocates who have furthered the work of women's liberation! Abigail Adams is one of my favorites. I think it's cool how she wanted her husband to remember the ladies. I don't think I ever thought about how bad it used to be for women. Another one we talked about was Lucretia Mott. Janine was explaining about an American Rights something or other and her being the president. I have to find out more about women in our history! The group gave me some of their documents to read at home. I think I will read them when James is at work.

Susie and Donna are both married now. Donna has only been married for a month and is already pregnant. Why does she get to be happy? I have always wanted to be a mother. I want so desperately to be a cheerful housewife with children running all around playing. Things aren't working out for me like they are supposed to. Though they seem to be working out perfectly for Donna.