In reading the case study of Margaret Sanger, this line instantly stood out to me, “It is hard to remember that reproduction was once considered a women’s principle purpose” (Nickitas, Middaugh, & Aries, 2016).  A hundred and one years ago, on Oct.16, 1916, Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the United States. She was an advocate for women’s reproductive rights who was also a vocal eugenics enthusiast. Sanger’s legacy is complicated, however, as she is seen by some conservatives as an advocate for extermination of babies and black Americans. These false accusations stem from her pioneering work against unplanned pregnancy and the denial of women’s rights.  Her work changed policy in favor of women’s rights to life and liberty, and the ability to choose to reproduce or not. In 1990, the Arkansas State Legislature and the Arkansas Nurse Association “determined that Advanced Practice nurses were the best prepared to address the primary healthcare needs of Arkansans” (Nickitas, Middaugh, & Aries, 2016), but at that time the APNs did not have prescriptive authority. After several attempts at policy change, the legislation was changed in 1995 to allow them to write prescriptions. The ANA task force that worked towards this policy change used external and internal strategies. Internal and external advocacy has to do with stakeholders. Internal advocacy occurs with the stakeholders within an organization. External advocacy occurs outside of the organization, and includes others who will be affected by the policy change (Robertson, 2017). In both the above cases, nurses wanted to make changes in current law or policy to improve lives of patients they served. Nurses who have an interest in influencing changes can find ways to become a confident advocate.  Some issues are more complex and require the knowledge and efforts of organized groups, the help of professional lobbyists, and sustained activity towards the goal for months or even years. The ability to successfully exert influence in various arenas where future healthcare policy decisions are made depends on having a power base and knowing where and when to exert that influence (Abood, 2007). I will always continue to support women’s reproductive rights, a subject that is still as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.  We have come a long way from thinking that a women’s main purpose in life is to reproduce, but power disparities between men and women unfortunately still exists. Reference: 1

It is evident from the case study of Margaret Sanger that she played a significant role in challenging societal norms surrounding women’s reproductive rights. One key aspect to note is that reproduction was once considered a woman’s main purpose. However, Sanger’s pioneering work against unplanned pregnancy and for women’s rights to choose their own reproductive path fundamentally changed this narrative.

Sanger’s advocacy for birth control and access to contraceptives led her to open the first birth control clinic in the United States in 1916. This act symbolized a shift towards women being able to make choices about their own bodies and reproductive health. However, it is important to acknowledge that Sanger’s legacy is complex. She was also an outspoken eugenics enthusiast, which has led some conservatives to view her as an advocate for the extermination of babies and black Americans. These accusations are unfounded and detract from the immense impact of her work on women’s rights.

In a similar vein to Sanger’s advocacy, nurses have been at the forefront of advocating for policy changes that improve the lives of the patients they serve. An example of this can be seen in the case of the Arkansas State Legislature and the Arkansas Nurse Association. In 1990, it was determined that Advanced Practice nurses (APNs) were best prepared to address the primary healthcare needs of Arkansans. However, at that time, APNs did not have prescriptive authority. It took several attempts and years of advocacy, but in 1995, the legislation was changed to allow APNs to write prescriptions.

Advocacy for policy change can take different forms, with internal and external advocacy being two prevalent strategies. Internal advocacy involves engaging stakeholders within an organization, while external advocacy reaches beyond the organization to include those who will be affected by the policy change. In both the case of Margaret Sanger and the APNs in Arkansas, nurses recognized the need for policy change to improve the lives of individuals they served. This recognition led to the development and implementation of both internal and external advocacy strategies.

Becoming a confident advocate requires nurses to have a strong understanding of the issues they are advocating for and the ability to exert influence in various decision-making arenas. Some issues may be more complex and require the collective efforts of organized groups, the assistance of professional lobbyists, and sustained activity for extended periods. Nurses must also have a solid power base and be knowledgeable about when and where to exert their influence.

In conclusion, Margaret Sanger’s legacy as an advocate for women’s reproductive rights is both admirable and complicated. While she advanced the cause of women’s right to choose their reproductive path, her support for eugenics has led to false accusations against her. Nurses, like Sanger, have been at the forefront of advocating for policy changes that improve the lives of their patients. Internal and external advocacy strategies are crucial in achieving these changes. Nurses who wish to advocate for policy change must develop a strong power base and understand how to exert influence effectively. Although progress has been made in women’s reproductive rights, power disparities between men and women still exist, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this issue.