Clinton Chance

In the death of Clinton Chance I have lost not only a close friend but an invaluable adviser and co-worker in the cause of Planned Parenthood.

Back in 1920, on one of my annual visits to London, Clinton was taking a psychological view of the future possibilities of planned parenthood movement. He was a keen observer of character and believed in giving support not only to ideals but to action. In our final summing-up of activities and dreams of conquests he said “Let me know when there is an important joh to do and money needed for it”.

A few months later the decision of the Appellate Court of New York> was given that doctors could give contraceptive advice to patients. I cabled Clinton that I could get a woman doctor to open a Birth Control Clinic but that five thousand dollars was needed for her salary and the clinic set-up for the first year--was he interested? The cable in reply said “Go ahead. Cheque follows”. That was the first legal clinic under medical supervision to be opened in the U.S.A. and from it sprang some 600 clinics.

Clinton was too modest to take credit for the important part he had played in the planned parenthood movement. His left hand did not know what his right hand gave out.

It is good to have indelible memories of a man like Clinton Chance, of his honest forthright opinions, of his vision and loyalty and truth, of his wit and laughter in the midst of turmoil. He was a man, a friend, I am proud to have known.