Gallery – Dr. Marion Powell

Dr. Marion Powell

The Miss Margaret Robins Archives of Women's College Hospital

Chapters

An older woman with short, light-colored hair, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark jacket over a collared shirt. She is positioned in front of a brick wall that forms a curved bench-like structure.

Portrait of Dr. Marion Powell

A collection of vintage birth control products arranged neatly on a flat surface. The items include pill packets, contraceptive sponges, condoms, product packaging with diverse designs, and a nametag that reads Dr. Marion Powell. Colors range from bright red, pink, and yellow to understated off-white. Each product features labeling or branding text.

Birth control from the Dr. Marion Powell fonds

A group of eight women gathered in a room. The central figure, an elderly woman, is holding a large trophy and wearing a patterned scarf and dress.

The Bay Centre staff celebrate with Dr. Marion Powell

Black and white illustration of a stone building constructed in a Gothic architectural style, characterized by its pointed arches and ornate detailing. Typed text at bottom reads WOMAN'S MEDICAL COLLEGE, TORONTO.

Sketch of Woman’s Medical College

Legal excerpt about publishing obscene matter typewritten on white paper.

Section 179 of the 1892 Criminal Code of Canada

Black and white photograph shows a group of approximately 25 women posing in front of a brick building with a porch. The women are dressed in 1920s fashion, wearing coats and cloche hats.

Women fundraising for Women’s College Hospital

Six women in early 20th-century formal attire, seated and standing in a room with ornate chairs and a chandelier.

Medical staff of Women’s College Hospital

Black-and-white portrait of a woman with short, wavy hair in formal attire.

Graduation portrait of Dr. Marion Powell

Dr. Marion Hilliard wearing a special party hat

Cover of “Current Status of Family Planning in Canada” report

Two women engaged in discussion while seated at a desk in an office. One woman is holding a clear medical model.

Patient education at the Bay Centre for Birth Control

A woman is standing behind a table, smiling at the camera. The table is covered with various informational materials and items. There are signs on the table and on the wall that read Reproductive Health and Birth Control.

Birth Control Week display at Women’s College Hospital

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about WCH's Dr. Marion Hilliard's influence.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about WCH’s Dr. Marion Hilliard’s influence

Large, multi-story brick building with a symmetrical design, from the early to mid-20th century. It has a light-colored facade with numerous windows arranged in vertical lines. The building features a flat roof and two taller sections at the ends, each with a row of windows on every side. There are several trees in front and a narrow road curves in the foreground with a vintage car parked alongside it.

Women’s College Hospital

Book cover titled Problems of Adolescence by Dr. Marion Hilliard with black and pink diagonal stripes.

Cover of “Problems of Adolescence” by Dr. Marion Hilliard

Black-and-white page from a newspaper featuring an enlarged portion of an article highlighted by a rectangle.

“You and Sex” talk delivered by Dr. Marion Powell

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about single mothers in rural Ontario.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about single mothers in rural Ontario

A female doctor in a white coat uses a stethoscope on a child in a medical setting.

Dr. Marion Powell examining a child in an outpatient clinic in Osaka, Japan

Black text on gray background that reads What do you know about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada?

What do you know about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada?

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about the accessibility of birth control in the 1950s.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about the accessibility of birth control in the 1950s

A yellowed page from a vintage Eaton's catalog. The background is light brown with small black text arranged in columns consisting of product listings and prices. In the center of the page, a bold black arrow points to a highlighted section with a black border, showcasing Rendall's [RENDELL'S] pessaries for 60 cents.

Rendall’s [RENDELL’S] Wife’s Friend Pessaries listing

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about early birth control in Canada.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about early birth control in Canada

Brown hat-shaped object on a white surface.

Vimule cervical cap

A smooth, brown dome-shaped object on a white background.

Dumas vault cap, No. 5.

A small, dome-shaped object with an amber top and brown base on a white surface.

Translucent rubber cervical cap

Yellowed newspaper clipping with the headline Meet Scarboro's new medical officer — Dr. Marion Powell with a photo showing an older woman speaking to a young person.

“Meet Scarboro’s new Medical Officer of Health – Dr. Marion Powell”

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about the changing attitudes towards birth control.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about the changing attitudes towards birth control

Spiral-bound notebook with a yellow and black cover showing an illustration of a family consisting of a man, a woman, two children, and a baby. Above the image, there is a black strip containing white text that reads A Planned Family is a Happy Family.

A Planned Family is a Happy Family illustration

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about birth control and the Criminal Code in Canada.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about birth control and the Criminal Code in Canada

A typewritten document on yellowed paper.

Annual Report of the Scarborough Family Planning Clinic

Birth control display consisting of two vertical panels forming a corner. The panels are covered with a variety of colorful paper cutouts, posters, and contraceptive methods.

Birth control display at Women’s College Hospital

A small group of women wearing housecoats, seated in rows of chairs arranged in a classroom setting. They are facing a nurse standing in front of them. The nurse is wearing a traditional uniform with a cap and is teaching at an easel.

Birth control information session for new mothers

Cover of a book about birth control featuring a black and white photo of a young woman sleeping in a bed. Written in a diagonal band in red text are the words "a book about birth control."

Cover of “A Book About Birth Control”

Sepia-toned cover of a book titled Birth Control Handbook. It features a photograph of a woman and a baby lying in bed, partially covered by a blanket. In the bottom left corner, there is an emblem resembling a medical symbol, with a fist gripping a staff wrapped in a serpent, accompanied by the text Medicine For The People.

Cover of “Birth Control Handbook”

Four decorated eggs, two large with patterns, two small with symbols.

Planned Parenthood of New York City Public Service Announcement

Bright pink pamphlet cover featuring a black-and-white photo of a couple. The text reads Use Condoms and Make them part of your love life.

“Use Condoms: Make them part of your love life” pamphlet

Cartoon illustration of five diverse characters above a clock.

Planned Parenthood Association Chicago Area Public Service Announcement

A small, pillow-shaped cardboard package set against a light gray background with a yellow and gray design. The text Sharing is Caring is prominently printed in black in a bold.

“Sharing is Caring” condom packet

A white pamphlet cover featuring two composite illustrations of a young man and a young woman, each framed in a yellow border. Both individuals are depicted in a sketch style with gray and black shading on a light blue background. The black bold text in the top right corner reads Teen Sex: How to Say No.

“Teen Sex: How to Say No” pamphlet

Cover of Health and Welfare Canada’s “Oral Contraception Report 1978”

A small, rectangular, cream-colored condom packet with black and blue text and graphics on it. It features a black and white illustration of a hot air balloon with the phrase THREE FOR FREE written on it.

“Three for Free” condom packet

Three-story building with distinct architectural features. It has a steep, dark-colored roof with dormer windows. The building has a blue door and a sign reading BAY CENTRE FOR BIRTH CONTROL.

The Bay Centre for Birth Control

Bay Centre for Birth Control patient information brochure

Entrance of the Bay Centre for Birth Control in 1973 with superimposed text about its opening.

Bay Centre for Birth Control at Women’s College Hospital

Six women in an office setting. They are gathered around a wooden desk. One woman is seated behind the desk, while the others stand around her. The desk is cluttered with various office supplies, pens, paper, a vase of flowers.

Dr. Marion Powell with the staff of the Bay Centre for Birth Control

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about the popularity of the Bay Centre for Birth Control.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about the popularity of the Bay Centre for Birth Control

Cluttered office with a filing cabinet, cash register, birth control posters, and desk covered with papers and supplies.

Birth control sales desk at the Bay Centre for Birth Control

Two women seated in a room and talking; one holds a model, with a female reproductive anatomy diagram on an easel visible. The room has a radiator below a window with floral curtains.

Patient education at the Bay Centre for Birth Control

Educational page about oral contraceptives, with text, diagrams of the female reproductive system, and contraceptive pill packs.

“Birth Control Options” teaching aid

Interior office space with vintage decor, featuring waiting room chairs, a vending machine, and a desk. Overhead, fluorescent lights illuminate the area.

Waiting room at the Bay Centre for Birth Control

A rectangular, light-colored name badge with a pin clip attached to the back with black text that reads DR. MARION POWELL, DIRECTOR, BAY CENTRE FOR BIRTH CONTROL.

Nametag belonging to Dr. Marion Powell

Rectangular educational booklet with a spiral binding along the top edge. The left half of the cover features a black and white photograph showing a classroom scene. The right half of the cover is solid orange featuring bold white text that reads FAMILY PLANNING.

Cover of “Family Planning: A Curriculum written by the London Board of Education”

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about changing attitudes towards sex education.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about changing attitudes towards sex education

Dark green cover with a centered illustration. At the top, the number 4 is followed by the title BIRTH CONTROL & ABORTION in white, uppercase text. The central illustration depicts a wire egg holder, containing an egg, with a bowl to the side, containing a brown egg and a white egg.

Cover of “Birth Control and Abortion” teacher’s guide

Cover of a booklet with a spiral binding at the top. The background is a bright green, with a central white rectangle where the title Why People Plan Pregnancy is prominently displayed in bold black text.

Cover of “Why People Plan Pregnancy” flip chart

An illustration on a spiral-bound page. A family gathering with sad looking parents and many children around a dining table with food and a green stove pipe nearby. The scene is rendered primarily in black and white with green accents.

An illustration of an unplanned family

Black and white drawing of a young girl and young boy from behind. Above each child is a speech bubble. The speech bubble over the girl reads, WHEN I GROW UP I'M GOING TO BE A MOTHER. The speech bubble over the boy reads, AND WHEN I GROW UP I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER.

An illustration from the book “Birth”

A spiral-bound flip chart with an orange cover. In the center, a white rectangle contains the black text that reads How People Plan Pregnancy.

Cover of “How People Plan Pregnancy” flip chart

An illustration on a spiral-bound page. A woman wearing a red dress is holding a glass and appears to be placing pills into her palm with her other hand. On a table behind her is an open red pillbox containing pills and a small red clock.

An illustration of a woman taking a birth control pill

A handwritten letter using blue ink printed on stationary with rainbow stripes and a cartoon rabbit illustration. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks about birth control pills.

How can we go on the Pill?

A typewritten letter on beige paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks for advice on sexual health.

Am I “normal”? Do I have VD?

A typed letter on beige textured paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and discusses a teenage girl's desire to obtain birth control pills without her parents knowing.

Can I go on the Pill without my parents finding out?

A handwritten letter on beige paper printed in blue ink. The letter is from an 18-year-old boy seeking advice on socializing with a girl he likes.

How do I talk to girls?

A handwritten letter using blue ink on yellowed lined notebook paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks for information on abortion.

How can I get an abortion?

A handwritten letter in cursive using blue ink on yellow lined paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks about buying condoms.

How can I buy a condom?

A typed letter on yellowed paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and discussing menstrual cycles and IUD risks.

When am I most likely to get pregnant?

A handwritten letter on yellow lined paper written in cursive with blue ink. The letter discusses issues related to sexuality.

How do I not be a homosexual?

A handwritten letter printed in blue ink on yellow lined paper. The letter is from a young woman with a personal question about sexuality.

I might be bisexual. Is there anything wrong with that?

A typewritten letter on yellowed paper. The letter discusses a young person's struggle with gender identity.

Can you help me become “normal”?

A handwritten letter in cursive using a pencil on yellowed lined notebook paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks about gender-affirming surgery.

Can you tell me about gender-affirming surgery?

A handwritten letter using blue ink printed on white lined paper. The letter is addressed to Dr. Powell and asks a question about sexuality.

How can I stop being attracted to guys?

Cover of a magazine titled TELLUS from the Journal of Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada. It prominently features blue illustrations on a white background of human faces, drawn with simple line art. The faces overlap and vary in expression. TELLUS is printed vertically, in bold blue capital letters. Across the top, written in cursive blue text, is Planned Parenthood October 1-8, 1984. Beneath the illustrations, three article titles are listed reading Sex Education in Canadian Schools, Gallup Poll Reveals Attitudes, and Mexico '84: Population & Politics.

Cover of “Tellus – Journal of Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada”

A yellow and red vintage booklet cover with text that reads PLANNING YOUR FAMILY THE S-T WAY with a red zigzag line graph.

Cover of “Planning Your Family the S-T Way”

Cover of an orange book titled Outreach For Family Planning: A Counseling Guide. Below the text, a series of cartoon style hands are depicted.

Cover of “Outreach for Family Planning – A Counseling Guide”

A typewritten telegram on plain, light yellowish paper. It features the letterhead of Planned Parenthood Ontario, located at the top center, followed by their slogan, Community Health Through Family Planning.

Protest letter from Planned Parenthood Ontario

A white certificate with a gold patterned trim from the Association of Planned Parenthood Physicians for Marion G. Powell, M.D. dated April 22, 1977.

Association of Planned Parenthood Physicians certificate belonging to Dr. Marion Powell

A woman standing behind a table that is covered with various educational materials related to birth control.

Birth Control Week display at Women’s College Hospital

Portrait of Dr. Marion Powell

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about influencing abortion law in Canada.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about influencing abortion law in Canada

A black cover image with the word Abortion in large stylized yellow text and smaller text in white decorative script that reads A Study, The United Church of Canada.

Cover of “Abortion: A Study” published by the United Church of Canada

Four round buttons with slogans supporting women's reproductive rights on a white background. The top button is purple with white text stating Motherhood by Choice Not Chance and includes a small symbol that combines a female gender symbol with an equal sign. The bottom three buttons are pink, yellow, and black. These buttons have text that reads Abortion - A Woman's Right - CHOICE.

Pro Choice Abortion Rights buttons

White typewritten cover page of a spiral-bound report titled Report on Therapeutic Abortion Services in Ontario by Marion Powell, dated January 27, 1987.

Cover of the “Report on Therapeutic Abortion Services in Ontario”

Cover of “Therapeutic Abortions 1972”

First page of a questionnaire printed on yellow paper from the Committee on the Operation of the Abortion Law. The document contains four questions. Each question allows for multiple-choice responses.

Questionnaire used by the Committee on the Operation of the Abortion Law

A rectangular box of medication against a plain light gray background. The box is white with purple and blue graphics on the left side. The text on the box reads MARVELON 28.

Marvelon 28 oral contraceptive box

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about her research studies.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about her research studies

A clear anatomical model depicting a cross-section of a female reproductive system. Next to the model, there is a sealed packet of a Today Sponge contraceptive sponge.

Today Sponge with a 3-D teaching model

A round, clear plastic container with a pink interior. Inside the container, there is a T-shaped object. The vertical stem of the object is coiled with a metallic wire, and two thin strings can be seen extending from the base of the stem outward.

Schering intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)

An older woman holding a winged trophy while seated on a cushioned bench.

Dr. Marion Powell with her Y.W.C.A. Women of Distinction Award

An older woman in a long purple dress shaking hands with a man in formal attire, which includes a black suit and medals. The setting appears to be an elegant room with decorated curtains and a chandelier overhead. The overall atmosphere suggests a formal event or ceremony.

Order of Canada induction ceremony for Dr. Marion Powell

Letter on official letterhead of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada. The letterhead features two blue lines with the organization's name in both English and French on the top left. The content of the letter is typed in black text.

Letter regarding the Dr. Marion Powell tribute at the Family Planning Hall of Fame

A typewritten letter dated November 12, 1991 from Yodogawa Christian Hospital to Dr. Marion Powell, congratulating her on an award. The letter is typed on white letterhead with Yodogawa Christian Hospital printed in cursive on the top of the letter and a blue diamond symbol with a white cross and the initials YCH in the top left corner.

Congratulatory letter from the Yodogawa Christian Hospital

Black text on teal background that reads Dr. Marion Powell talks about the future of contraceptive healthcare.

Dr. Marion Powell talks about the future of contraceptive healthcare

Four women standing indoors, smiling and engaging in conversation. Two of the women are shaking hands. All the women are wearing blazers, with two women wearing floral corsages.

Presentation of the first Marion Powell Award

A cylindrical wooden object with a rounded top and wider base against a gray background.

Wooden penis model