MAY 19, 1969: In what seemed like a courtroom scene from a half century ago, Bill Baird was sentenced to three months in prison today for distributing a contraceptive device to an unmarried woman. HERstory
is our daily recap of the major milestones and minor advancements that shaped women’s history in the U.S.—from suffrage to Shirley Chisholm and beyond.
Baird was found guilty on October 17, 1967, though his sentencing was stayed until he could appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. He won a partial victory there 18 days ago when the Court ruled in that it was not illegal to give a lecture on birth control—even if it involves exhibiting contraceptive devices. But the justices voted four-to-three to uphold his conviction for distributing any such device to an unmarried individual. Griswold v.
, handed down on June 7, 1965, the state’s total ban on birth control, on the books since 1879, was replaced by the legislature in 1966 with a new statute which allowed physicians and pharmacists to dispense contraceptives—but only to those who were married and over 21. Though many in the courtroom today had expected nothing more than a symbolic $100 fine to be imposed, the judge declared that Baird was a “menace to society” and sentenced him to three months in the infamous Charles Street Jail. Baird is angry, but prepared to serve his time while appealing his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AMPTP Hopes To Reach “Fair And Reasonable” Deal With WGA As Contract Talks Begin TodayAs the WGA and management’s Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers begin negotiations today for a new film and TV contract, the AMPTP said that its goal “is to reach a fair and reasona…
Read more »
40 years ago today, Mount St. Helens eruptedForty years ago, a volcano in the Cascade Mountains in Washington roared, expelling plumes of ash and killing 57 people in the most destructive eruption in modern US history.
Read more »
5 things to know today - that aren't about the virusToday in nonvirus news: • Clashes break out in Hong Kong's legislature as pro-Beijing lawmaker elected to key post. • Jewish extremist guilty of murder in arson attack that killed toddler. • Tropical storm threatens North Carolina with minor flooding.
Read more »
Lisa Kudrow says 'Friends' cast wouldn't be 'all-white' if it were set todayLisa Kudrow said a 'Friends' set in 2020 would feature people of color while defending the show's lack of diversity in a new interview.
Read more »
Stock market news today: Dow and S&P 500 updates - CNNOffice Depot stock surged today after announcing Friday it was closing some stores and laying off 13,000 employees, about one-third of its workforce
Read more »