
5. Feminist Movements in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Feminist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries were pivotal in advocating for women's reproductive rights. In the 19th century, activists focused on issues like contraception and maternal health. The suffragette movement highlighted women's autonomy, linking the right to vote with control over their own bodies. By the 20th century, the fight expanded to include access to safe and legal abortion, sex education, and family planning. Notable achievements included landmark legal decisions and the development of birth control methods, empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ultimately contributing to broader gender equality.