Recently, Sydney Sweeney’s comments in an American Eagle ad about “good jeans” stirred significant public backlash. While it may seem like a minor comment, it touched on a much larger issue that still reverberates in our society: eugenics.

The ad itself is a play on “good genes” vs. “good jeans,” but critics argue it subtly promotes an idealized genetic type—white, thin, blonde hair, blue eyes—bringing up uncomfortable echoes of eugenic ideology. In this article, we’re not just going to talk about one celebrity’s misstep; we’re going to explore the roots of eugenics in one of America’s most influential organizations: Planned Parenthood.

You may be wondering: How do these seemingly unrelated topics tie together? The answer lies in the dark history of Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood. Here’s the irony: the people most outraged by this ad are often the same ones who support Planned Parenthood, an organization with deep ties to eugenics. While they’re quick to condemn an ad, they ignore the troubling legacy of Margaret Sanger and how her eugenic beliefs continue to influence reproductive health policies today.

The Eugenics Movement: Margaret Sanger's Role

Margaret Sanger’s vision for family planning didn’t start with women’s liberation. It was deeply intertwined with the eugenics movement—a now-discredited but still influential ideology that sought to “improve” the human race by controlling reproduction. While Sanger is often remembered as a pioneer of birth control, her views extended far beyond contraception.

In her book The Pivot of Civilization, Sanger wrote: “The most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective.”

These views, now considered abhorrent, reflect the racist and ableist ideologies that guided Sanger’s advocacy. She believed that certain populations should not be allowed to reproduce. Her eugenic beliefs fueled policies that sought to control marginalized groups through sterilization and other measures.

Even more troubling are Sanger’s letters, which reveal her desire to manipulate public opinion and use influential figures to spread her ideas. In one letter, she wrote:
“We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members.”

This statement, among others, shows how Sanger attempted to use Black leaders to placate fears of sterilization and abortion within African American communities. Her outreach to Black clergy, as well as her speech to the Ku Klux Klan’s women’s auxiliary, further illustrates her willingness to align with any group that would help promote her eugenic agenda.

Planned Parenthood Today: Distancing from Sanger, But the Legacy Remains

In July 2020, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York officially removed Margaret Sanger’s name from a clinic in Manhattan, citing her “connections to the eugenics movement.” While this gesture of distancing was celebrated by some, it doesn't erase the troubling legacy that still exists within the organization.

Planned Parenthood has been criticized for continuing practices that disproportionately affect communities of color, particularly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. A 2005 study found that 60% of Planned Parenthood’s surgical abortion centers were located in predominantly Black communities, further fueling claims that these communities are being targeted for abortions.

Despite denials from Planned Parenthood and fact-checkers noting that only 9% of clinics are in predominantly Black neighborhoods today, the racial disparities in abortion rates persist. In 2021, Black women accounted for about 41.5% of all abortions, while making up only 13% of the U.S. population. These statistics show that, even though the language and tactics have evolved, the impact on communities of color remains significant.

The Ongoing Impact of Sanger’s Eugenic Legacy

The core question here is whether we can truly separate Planned Parenthood’s present-day mission from its eugenic roots. While the organization may have publicly distanced itself from Sanger’s views, its practices continue to disproportionately impact marginalized groups.

This isn't just a matter of historical interest—it's a real issue with tangible consequences. The disproportionate number of abortions in Black and Hispanic communities raises uncomfortable questions about reproductive health and racial justice. The fact that communities once targeted by eugenic ideologies continue to experience the brunt of these policies is a harsh reminder that, while language and tactics may change, the broader impact of reproductive control remains.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding the Historical Context of Reproductive Health

Margaret Sanger’s views on race and reproduction are part of a larger historical context that shaped early 20th-century policies. Involuntary sterilization laws, for example, were justified by eugenic ideologies similar to those espoused by Sanger. While some argue that the disparities in abortion rates are rooted in socioeconomic factors, it's clear that the legacy of eugenics still shapes outcomes today.

For example, Native American communities, particularly in the mid-20th century, experienced forced sterilizations and other reproductive control measures. While these practices may not have been directly orchestrated by Planned Parenthood, they emerged from the same ideological foundation. The ongoing effects of these policies continue to be felt in marginalized communities, raising questions about the inclusivity of modern reproductive care.

Why This Matters: The Need for a Racially Just Approach to Reproductive Health

This article is not about attacking Planned Parenthood or defending the controversial remarks made by Sydney Sweeney. It’s about recognizing the ongoing impact of historical ideologies on reproductive health policies today. If we are serious about racial justice, we cannot ignore the fact that organizations founded on eugenic principles still influence reproductive care in ways that harm marginalized communities.

When we talk about reproductive health and justice, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly addressing the needs of all women, or are we perpetuating a system that continues to disproportionately harm certain groups? Are we aware of the legacy of organizations like Planned Parenthood and the impact of their practices on communities of color?

The Takeaway: A Call for Reflection

The controversy over Sydney Sweeney’s comments may have sparked a conversation about genetics, but it pales in comparison to the ongoing consequences of eugenics in our society. Planned Parenthood may have distanced itself from Sanger, but her legacy continues to shape its practices and the communities it serves.

As we reflect on these issues, it's crucial to consider how our choices today will impact future generations. At Seven Weeks Coffee, we’re committed to helping women and their children, no matter their race or background. Every purchase of Seven Weeks Coffee contributes to supporting women seeking medical care, helping to ensure they have the resources and support they need in the critical early stages of pregnancy.

So, as you sip your coffee, ask yourself: Can we truly separate an organization from its origins? How do we ensure that reproductive care is truly inclusive for all women, regardless of their background or circumstances?

This conversation is crucial because the choices we make today affect the women and children of tomorrow. Let’s make sure we’re advocating for a future that truly values life in all its forms.