About Us

For nearly eighty years, Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region (PPRSR) has had a rich history serving the reproductive health care needs of women from Central and Western New York. While local services were expanded, national and state events, as well as court decisions, unfolded. Today, the PPRSR service region includes communities located in a multi-county area: Albion, Batavia, Brockport, Canadaigua, Greece, Newark, Rochester and Syracuse. Over the years, women in neighboring communities have sought, and continue to seek, the services of PPRSR. And, PPRSR is dedicated to continuing the tradition.

1917 Margaret Sanger brought safe, effective contraceptive advice to the USA.

1924 The Syracuse Chapter of the American Birth Control League was established under the leadership of Sally Hazard Knapp. A four-year battle ensued to change an existing law that made it illegal for New York State physicians to give information on contraception to their patients.

1925 Syracuse Common Council voted to ban Margaret Sanger's speech at the Mizpah; which was then overturned when citizens appealed to Mayor John Walrath.

1930 Sanger met in Syracuse with prominent citizens to pave the way for establishment of a birth control clinic.

1931 The Syracuse Chapter of the American Birth Control League (ABCL) changed its name to the Onondaga Birth Control League.

1932 The Onondaga Birth Control League began operating under the direction of Dr. Edward S. VanDuyn in his home at 486 James Street in Syracuse. Margaret Sanger spoke at Temple B'rith Kodesh in Rochester where the legality of her speech was challenged from the floor.

1933 The first fund raising drive was launched for the Onondaga Birth Control League.

1934 After a two-year search for a Rochester site, the American Birth Control League opened a clinic at the Gannett House Unitarian Church in donated basement space.

1937 The American Medical Association officially approved birth control as having a definite place in medical practice. The ABCL in Rochester moved to One Grove Place and opened two branches. The one located in the Newark Hospital soon closed for lack of patients.

1939 In Syracuse, hoping to avoid controversy caused by the term "birth control," the organization changed its name to the Maternal Health Center. The rapid clinic expansion required two relocations: first to 422 James Street and then to 107 Washington Street in Syracuse.

1941 Syracuse's Maternal Health Center was denied exhibit space at the New York State Fair by the acting governor of New York. The exhibit was entitled, "Every Baby Wanted and Loved."

1942 ABCL in Rochester opened the Hilton branch during World War II.

1945 The Maternal Health Center followed the lead of the American Birth Control League (known today as Planned Parenthood Federation of America) and changed its name to Planned Parenthood Committee of Syracuse (PPCS).

1949 In Rochester, the services were moved to 38 Windsor Street. Soon after, the ABCL name was changed to Planned Parenthood League (PPL) and was incorporated as 38 Windsor Street, Inc.

1950 In Syracuse the name was changed to Planned Parenthood Center of Syracuse (PPCS).

1951 PPCS growth resulted in the clinic relocating to 710 East Jefferson Street, Syracuse.

1953 In Rochester, outreach clinics were started. Two opened in 1936 and two in 1964. Sites were: Baden Street Club House, Christ Presbyterian Church, General Hospital, and Corn Hill Methodist Church.

1959 PPCS was admitted to the Metropolitan Health Council. As a result, Catholic agencies withdrew their support of the council causing it to collapse by 1961 for lack of funds. PPCS was frozen out of the reorganized United Community Chest and Council of Onondaga County.

1960's PPCS opened satellite clinics at three locations. The sites were only open a few years as most patients preferred to receive services at PPCS headquarters.

1963 PPCS moved to 618 South Crouse Avenue, Syracuse.

1965 The United States Supreme Court's Griswold decision ruled that contraception is a matter of privacy for married couples.

1966 PPL in Rochester began serving patients who were on welfare with reimbursement from the New State Department of Welfare.

1968 PPL was admitted to the Council of Social Agencies, a step toward Community Chest acceptance. PPCS became incorporated and opened a sex education center.

1969 PPCS, Inc. became licensed by the State of New York; purchased property; and moved into 1120 East Genesee Street (its current location in Syracuse). The property was originally the home of Mrs. Jacob Nottingham and was also a Jewish orphanage. In Rochester, PPL did not conduct its own yearly fund drive. In the spring, PPL incorporated and was admitted to the Community Chest (now known as United Way). Additional space was rented at 56 Windsor Street for the Education Department office.