Gloria Steinem, who died last week at the age of 92, had become almost synonymous with the modern feminist movement in the US. Her life and activism spanned decades, from going undercover as a Playboy bunny to becoming a radical publisher who brought feminism into the mainstream.
From Playboy bunny to Ms. Magazine
Steinem's career was marked by fearless reporting and advocacy. She went undercover as a Playboy bunny to expose the working conditions, and later founded Ms. Magazine, which became a platform for feminist ideas. As a reproductive rights campaigner, she wrote in Ms. Magazine about having an abortion, encouraging other famous women and readers to do the same to break the stigma surrounding the procedure.
Stateside host Carter Sherman told Annie Kelly that Steinem's legacy as an icon is secure. However, at the time of her death, many of the rights she fought for are under threat.
Abortion rights under attack
“Obviously, Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022. Nearly half of US states have some sort of abortion ban in effect at this time, and Gloria Steinem talked about feeling really angry that this was still a fight that was going on in her later years,” Sherman said.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade marked a significant setback for reproductive rights, a cause Steinem championed throughout her career. Her anger in her later years reflected the ongoing struggle to maintain access to abortion services across the country.
Steinem's lasting impact
Steinem's work helped shift feminism from the margins to the mainstream of American culture. Her influence extended through her writing, activism, and the platform she built with Ms. Magazine. She inspired generations of women to speak out on issues ranging from reproductive rights to workplace equality.
As the fight for abortion access continues in nearly half of US states, Steinem's legacy serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. Her contributions to the feminist movement remain a benchmark for activists today.
