The 1st legal birth control clinic in the US

The Clinical Research Bureau (CRB), founded by Margaret Sanger in 1923, was the first legal birth control clinic in the U.S. and became a global center for contraceptive research. Operating in New York City, it offered clinical services and was known for pioneering medical research on birth control and infertility. The clinic was renamed multiple times and merged with the American Birth Control League in 1939, eventually forming Planned Parenthood in 1942. It also became a key training site, offering fellowships and seminars for medical professionals.

The New York City police raided the Birth Control Clinical Research Bureau’s clinic, arresting its medical staff, including Dr. Hannah Mayer Stone, and seizing patient records under accusations of violating obscenity laws. Although legal precedent permitted contraceptives for medical reasons for married women, the raid showed ongoing resistance to birth control access. Ironically, staff had just reassured a visitor that they no longer faced trouble from authorities. All arrestees were released on bail, awaiting trial for further legal battles on reproductive rights.

Due to budget deficits, the Bureau shut down and combined its staff with Planned Parenthood of New York.