SWI Expert Talk: Marie Stopes: Complicated Campaigner

Join Susan Morrison for this online talk – a fascinating exploration of one of the most influential, and most controversial women of the twentieth century.

About the Talk
Married Love hit the shelves in 1918 and caused a sensation. Its author, Dr Marie Stopes, had the audacity to suggest that wives should actually enjoy the “marital act”. She offered practical advice on intimacy, even recommending the best timing for conception. More controversially still, she outlined ways for couples to avoid the relentless cycle of pregnancies that so often damaged women’s health.

The scandal didn’t stop there. Stopes went on to establish Britain’s first birth control clinic and developed her own successful contraceptive. A pioneer, campaigner, writer and even a film producer, she left an undeniable mark on women’s lives.

But her story is far from straightforward. Alongside her groundbreaking work were deeply troubling beliefs, including her support for eugenics and controversial views on parenting and reproduction.

Meet the Speaker
Susan Morrison is almost old enough to be history. As a stand-up comedian, she’s been part of The Stand Comedy Club since it opened, but history is her first love. In recent years she has presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Time Travels and House of the Lion and written a history column for The Scotsman newspaper. Her enthusiasm for women’s history is boundless. Top tip. Don’t get trapped in a lift with her….

Ahead of the Members’ Gathering
This online talk is also a wonderful introduction to this year’s Scottish Women’s Institutes Members’ Gathering in Dundee. Susan will be hosting our Friday evening entertainment! If you enjoy this talk, why not join us in person this September? There are still a few Friday places available for the Members’ Gathering, find out more and book your place here: https://www.theswi.org.uk/members-gathering-2026/.

This online talk is free for SWI members.