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Rudy praising Margaret Sanger and saying abortion is a Republican issue

Archives of Rudolph W. Giuliani, 107th Mayor

Opening Remarks to the N.A.R.A.L. "Champions of Choice" Lunch

The Yale Club, Thursday, April 5th, 2001

Thank you very much for inviting me to say a few words of welcome. This event shows that people of different political parties and different political thinking can unite in support of choice. In doing so, we are upholding a distinguished tradition that began in our city starting with the work of Margaret Sanger and the movement for reproductive freedom that began in the early decades of the 20th century.

As a Republican who supports a woman's right to choose, it is particularly an honor to be here. And I would like to explain, just for one moment, why I believe being in favor of choice is consistent with the philosophy of the Republican Party. In fact, it might be more consistent with the philosophy of the Republican Party. Because the Republican Party stands for the idea that you have to restore more freedom of choice...

These are a few quotes from Sanger:

"The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it." Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race (Eugenics Publ. Co., 1920, 1923)

Margaret Sanger (1883-1966) On blacks, immigrants and indigents: "...human weeds,' 'reckless breeders,' 'spawning... human beings who never should have been born." Margaret Sanger, Pivot of Civilization, referring to immigrants and poor people

On sterilization & racial purification: Sanger believed that, for the purpose of racial "purification," couples should be rewarded who chose sterilization. Birth Control in America, The Career of Margaret Sanger, by David Kennedy, p. 117, quoting a 1923 Sanger speech.

On the purpose of birth control: The purpose in promoting birth control was "to create a race of thoroughbreds," she wrote in the Birth Control Review, Nov. 1921 (p. 2)

On the rights of the handicapped and mentally ill, and racial minorities: "More children from the fit, less from the unfit -- that is the chief aim of birth control." Birth Control Review, May 1919, p. 12

On the extermination of blacks: "We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population," she said, "if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." Woman's Body, Woman's Right: A Social History of Birth Control in America, by Linda Gordon

On adultery: A woman's physical satisfaction was more important than any marriage vow, Sanger believed. Birth Control in America, p. 11

On marital sex: "The marriage bed is the most degenerating influence in the social order," Sanger said. (p. 23

Honoring Margaret Sanger for anything is unbelievable. The following are direct (chilling) quotes from Margaret Sanger in 1933 [Los Angeles Times, Feb 26, 1933. p. H3] in response to the interview question: "Just what would you do if you were appointed Dictator of Motherhood for the United States?--a sort of Mussolini of Maternity, with absolute powers to act?"

"First--Place greater responsibility upon social service workers, charities and all those having medical contact with the people and create a nationwide system of physical, mental and moral reports which would afford the government and every community a basis for intelligent action.
"Second--Appoint a commission of three or five in every community to decide if, couples should have progeny and determine when sterilization, isolation or free-will abstinence should be enforced.
"Third--I might grant pensions to those denied the right to have children, as a recognition of their contribution toward race betterment, just as we grant pensions to citizens who serve their country in other ways. The commission would also conduct educational campaigns to establish what sterilization and isolation really are and emphasize that the former is not a punishment, does not unsex the subject and causes no change beyond the elimination of parenthood.
"Fourth--Put the responsibility upon every mother to reduce maternity mortality. ... I would compel them to take measures to correct their health.
"Fifth--I would make parenthood a privilege. They would have to work for it.
"Sixth--Economics would be a factor. A man's earning potentialities, not his actual income at the time of the union, would be considered. I believe in birth control, not birth limitation, except. in certain cases. From the moment of marriage there would be a periodical check-up to make sure that the birth rate and financial standing were proportionate.
"Seventh--Treatment of children is important. Many parents prove they are unfit to have them. Parents who beat children 'because they have the right to would not be allowed to have any more.
"Eight--Certificates for parenthood, issued with the marriage license, would be compulsory. To obtain them both man and woman would undergo physical, mental and moral tests; family medical and mental history would be recorded and financial ability to rear children. There would be a black list and a white one. Those on the white list, bearing no children, would be privileged to adopt some. No child should be in an institution. ... "