12 Women Who Have Made A Difference To Women’s Health

Although social media may give the impression that the world likes to tear women down, we believe that there is another side that prefers to celebrate the achievements of women.

National Women’s Health Week is a good place to start. We have a lot of women to thank for leading us to a time when we have a wealth of health information at our fingertips. Some of these women are no longer with us, but their resolute strength stands behind every modern woman.

There are so many more ladies that we could extend our gratitude to, but let’s stick with these 12 women, who have made astounding contributions to women’s health.

1) Elizabeth Blackwell

In 1849, British-born Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to earn an M.D. degree, after she had been repeatedly told that such a venture was impossible. Eight years later, she co-founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children.

She also wrote several books encouraging women to enter the profession of medicine and rallied to work even though she lost sight in one eye and had significant backlash from her community.

2) Clara Barton

In 1881, this revolutionary woman founded The Red Cross at the age of 60. The former teacher and federal government employee prodded government officials to let her be at the scenes of battle during the Civil War so that she could provide medical supplies and other services.

She was burdened by depression throughout her life, but would always revive when a calamity required her assistance.

3) Rebecca Lee Crumper

Rebecca Lee Crumper changed the course of medical history by daring to be the first African American to receive an M.D. in America in 1864. Crumper later cared for freed slaves who would have had no access to medical care, were it not for her training and compassion.

4) Margaret Sanger

This former nurse grew up with an outspoken father who taught her to stand up for what she believed, and it seems to have worked. She had to flee the United States after writing several articles promoting female contraception.

Years later she was able to return and open the first birth control clinic in the United States in 1916 with the help of her sister, Ethel Byrne. Sanger dedicated her life to the global acceptance of birth control.

5) Katherine Switzer

If you have ever casually signed up for a race, you have Katherine Switzer to thank. This marathoner challenged the all-male tradition of the Boston Marathon, even though a race official attacked her during the race. She has run 39 marathons to date.

6) Betty Ford

This former first lady of the United States was forthright in the assertion that she had sought psychiatric care during a period of history when mental health was largely ignored. Ford raised the awareness of addiction by starting a dialogue, also regularly speaking out about equal rights for women.

7) Ruth Westheimer

Best known as “Dr. Ruth,” this psychosexual therapist was one of the pioneers for speaking frankly about safe sex. Through all forms of media, and with a sweet frankness, Dr. Ruth broke taboos. At age 87, she is still working, particularly in the area of sexuality and aging.

8) Jane Fonda

Although her biography indicated that her own health was far from ideal, Jane Fonda was a champion for movement. The actress and fitness video star brought people into the world of working out and 30 years later is continuing to exercise, and looking good while doing it.

9) Oprah Winfrey

How could we forget Ms. O? From discussing her weight loss and gain, to introducing the world to Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil, Oprah herself could be seen as the beginning of the information age. Her programs have ranged from salacious to spiritual. Through it all, Oprah has encouraged her viewers to own their lives and their health.

10) Michelle Obama

The current first lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign has encouraged families to get active, grow gardens and take control of their health. With biceps for days, she's brimming with health. We can think of no better advocate.

11) Jillian Michaels

The former Biggest Loser trainer hasn’t slowed down, and she isn’t advising that we do, either. Her platform is one of empowerment, and her mixture of compassion and tough love has turned many couch potatoes into athletes.

12) Kris Carr

This modern-day wellness guru believes that every woman should have the opportunity to feel crazy, sexy and healthy. Her upbeat attitude and take-charge approach to an abundant life of well-being resonates through her “sacred party” and New York Times best sellers.

Thank you to all women who fight the healthy fight.

Reviewed May 12, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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