Mary Calderone Quotes

Powerful Mary Calderone for Daily Growth

About Mary Calderone

Mary Calderone (October 17, 1904 – February 6, 1985) was an American medical doctor, sex educator, and social reformer, who made significant contributions to the field of sexual health education. Born in New York City, she grew up in a family that valued intellectual curiosity and social activism. After completing her undergraduate studies at Barnard College, Calderone pursued a career in medicine, graduating from Cornell University Medical College in 1928. Calderone's medical career took an unexpected turn when she was appointed as the first director of the Sanger Clinic, a birth control clinic founded by Margaret Sanger, the pioneer of the birth control movement in America. It was here that Calderone developed her passion for sexual health education and advocacy. In 1953, Calderone co-founded Planned Parenthood Federation of America's (PPFA) educational division, which later became known as Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS). Under her leadership, SIECUS published numerous brochures, books, and films on various sexual health topics, breaking new ground in the field of sex education. Calderone is perhaps best known for her 1969 book "Sexuality and the Young Adolescent," which was one of the first comprehensive resources on adolescent sexual development. She advocated for a holistic approach to sexual health, emphasizing open communication, responsible decision-making, and respect for individual autonomy. Calderone's work has had a lasting impact on sexual health education in America. Her quotes reflect her profound commitment to this cause: "Sex education is the key to solving many of our social problems," and "There is no such thing as normal sexual behavior – only mutually satisfying sexual behavior." Calderone's legacy continues to inspire generations of sex educators and advocates.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love is the basic emotion that binds a man and woman in marriage."

This quote underscores the fundamental role of love as the primary emotional bond between partners in a marriage. The statement emphasizes that a strong, loving connection is essential to create and maintain a successful marital relationship. Love serves as the foundation upon which the commitment and partnership of a husband and wife are built, offering a sense of understanding, companionship, and mutual respect that sustains their union throughout life's challenges and joys.


"Sex education which stops with the birds and bees is really mis-education."

This quote emphasizes that providing basic sex education about reproduction (the "birds and bees") alone is inadequate, as it fails to equip individuals with a comprehensive understanding of sexuality, relationships, and responsible behavior. Instead, comprehensive sex education should cover topics like consent, safe practices, emotional well-being, and personal values to ensure students are fully prepared for healthy relationships and responsible sexual decision making.


"The sexual instinct is as strong in women as it is in men."

This quote by Mary Calderone emphasizes the equal strength of sexual desires between men and women, challenging any notion that female sexuality is weaker or less important than male sexuality. It highlights the fundamental equality and similarities between the sexes in various aspects, including their basic instincts and drives. In essence, it affirms that both women and men share a natural, powerful sexual impulse, thereby contributing to more inclusive and equitable understandings of human sexuality.


"The young people have a right to know something about sex, and they are hungry for information."

This quote by Mary Calderone emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive sexual education to young people. It suggests that adolescents have a natural curiosity about sexuality, and they need accurate, age-appropriate information to guide their understanding and decision-making. The quote also implies that withholding this knowledge could leave them misinformed or vulnerable, which is an injustice given their rights as individuals.


"Sex education can save lives, prevent abortions, help make marriages happier, contribute to the mental health of young people, and give them a greater understanding of their bodies and themselves."

This quote by Mary Calderone emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of comprehensive sex education. By educating individuals about sexual health, we can reduce unintended pregnancies (abortions), improve marital relationships through increased knowledge and understanding, enhance mental well-being by providing a safe space for questions and discussions, foster self-awareness, and ultimately contribute to personal growth. Essentially, sex education is not just about teaching biology but empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, take control of their lives, and build healthy relationships.


Before the child ever gets to school it will have received crucial, almost irrevocable sex education and this will have been taught by the parents, who are not aware of what they are doing.

- Mary Calderone

Education, Doing, Been, Parents

Our children are not going to be just 'our children' - they are going to be other people's husbands and wives and the parents of our grandchildren.

- Mary Calderone

Grandchildren, Other, Going, Parents

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