Feminism and the women's liberation movement were significant, influential forces in the United States during the 1970s. Feminism in 1973 was a part of many women's lives.
Here are a few important events related to feminism in 1973:
- In January, the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade struck down most state restrictions on abortion. The case had a major impact on public debate about abortion in the United States.
- The Supreme Court ruled in Frontiero v. Richardson that denying military benefits to male spouses was illegal sex discrimination.
- The International Feminist Planning Conference was held in Massachusetts.
- The nonprofit advocacy organization Women Employed was formed to promote workplace equality and improve the economic status of women.
- Marian Wright Edelman started the Children’s Defense Fund.
- Emily Howell Warner became the first female pilot for a commercial U.S. airline.
- Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King played in the nationally televised tennis match called the “Battle of the Sexes.”
- Mary Daly's book Beyond God the Father: Toward a Philosophy of Women's Liberation was published.
- Marge Piercy’s book Small Changes was published.
- Peace activist and former U.S. Representative Jeanette Rankin died.