A new documentary is stirring conversation across the nation about the controversial legacy of Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood. The film, titled “The 1916 Project: Exposing Planned Parenthood’s Century Long Culture of Death,” brings to light Sanger’s troubling views on birth control and population control.
Directed by David Coonradt and produced by Fieldwork Media, the documentary is based on a book by Seth Gruber. It explores Sanger’s early efforts to establish birth control clinics and her radical beliefs, which included advocating for the sterilization of those she deemed “unfit.” The film connects Sanger’s ideas to various modern issues, including late-term abortions and radical educational practices.
Viewers can learn about Sanger’s life through her own writings, including letters and journals, which reveal her controversial thoughts and motivations. The film has already been screened in over 1,000 churches across the U.S., igniting discussions about Planned Parenthood’s history and its impact on society today.
The documentary premiered on DailyWire+, aiming to reach a broader audience interested in understanding this contentious topic. Notably, even some abortion rights advocates are distancing themselves from Sanger. In 2020, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York removed her name from a health center, acknowledging the organization’s historical harm to communities of color.
Prominent figures support the film, including author Eric Metaxas, who describes Sanger’s plans as horrifying and indicative of a desire to eliminate certain races. Pro-life advocate Nick Vujicic believes the film could inspire a movement to end abortion in America, calling it a crucial resource for understanding cultural shifts.
As discussions around reproductive rights continue to evolve, “The 1916 Project” seeks to shed light on the darker chapters of Planned Parenthood’s history, urging viewers to confront the implications of Sanger’s legacy.
