Susan B. Anthony: The Woman, The Legacy, and The Truth
Today, February 15th, marks Susan B. Anthony Day — a day to honor one of the most fearless women in history. A woman who fought relentlessly for equality, who refused to be silenced, and who never backed down in the face of injustice.
But as we celebrate her legacy, I also want to take a moment to address the misrepresentation of her name — how modern-day organizations have twisted her history to fit their own narratives. Susan B. Anthony was a champion for women’s rights, but her name has been hijacked by anti-choice movements claiming that she was against abortion. That is historically inaccurate and does a grave disservice to her legacy.
So today, let’s set the record straight.
Who Was Susan B. Anthony, Really?
Susan B. Anthony wasn’t just a suffragist — she was a force of nature. Born in 1820, she dedicated her entire life to fighting for women’s right to vote, knowing that without political power, women would always be at the mercy of a system designed to keep them silent.
She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) with Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1869, led countless protests, and even illegally voted in the 1872 presidential election, an act of defiance that got her arrested. She was fined $100, but in classic Susan B. Anthony fashion, she refused to pay it.
Her relentless work helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920 — 14 years after her death.
What she fought for was simple: women’s autonomy, equality, and power.
Misusing Susan B. Anthony’s Name: A Disgrace
Here’s where things get frustrating.
An organization calling itself Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has been using her name to push anti-choice policies — implying that she was against abortion. This is not only misleading but completely false.
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House has publicly stated that these claims are historically inaccurate.
Historians and scholars have debunked this myth repeatedly.
The “quotes” attributed to her about abortion? Taken out of context or not even written by her.
Let’s be real — Susan B. Anthony fought for women to have control over their own lives. She was focused on the bigger picture: ensuring women had the legal, financial, and political power to make their own choices.
Using her name to control women’s bodies? Disrespectful. Deceptive. Disgusting.
And if misrepresenting Susan B. Anthony wasn’t bad enough, this isn’t even the only time they’ve pulled this stunt. This organization has a history of hijacking the names of well-known feminists, twisting their legacies to fit an anti-choice agenda that directly contradicts what these women actually fought for. It’s weaponized feminism at its worst—using the names of trailblazing women to push policies that strip away women’s autonomy. And I have a LOT more to say about this, so stay tuned, because we’re going to talk more about this during Women’s History Month.
Why Susan B. Anthony’s Legacy Still Matters Today
We like to think that because we can vote, the fight is over. It’s not. Women’s rights — whether we’re talking about voting, reproductive freedom, pay equity, or representation — are still under attack.
The best way to honor Susan B. Anthony isn’t just by remembering her — it’s by continuing her fight. Here’s how you can do exactly that:
Use your voice — whether in your workplace, in your community, or online.
Educate yourself & others — because history should be told accurately.
Support organizations that actually fight for women’s rights (like Planned Parenthood, She Should Run, and the League of Women Voters).
Be politically engaged — not just voting, but advocating for policies that protect women’s autonomy.
How to Get Involved & Honor Susan B. Anthony’s Legacy
Want to do more than just talk about Susan B. Anthony’s impact? You can help preserve her legacy by volunteering at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House.
The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, NY is dedicated to preserving her real history — not the revisionist version some organizations try to sell. This historic landmark is where Anthony lived, organized, and fought for women’s rights until her death in 1906. Today, it serves as an educational hub to ensure her true legacy is never forgotten.
Ways to Volunteer & Support
— Become a Tour Guide: Help visitors learn about Susan B. Anthony’s work and her impact.
— Assist with Educational Programs: Support the museum’s efforts to educate future generations.
— Participate in Special Events: Help with museum-hosted programs and historic reenactments.
— Lend a Hand Virtually: Help with research, social media, or remote outreach efforts.
Ready to get involved? Learn more & sign up here → Susan B. Anthony Museum Volunteer Page
The fight for women’s rights didn’t end with Susan B. Anthony — it’s up to us to carry it forward. By supporting the museum, we can help preserve her real legacy and ensure that her name is used for truth, not manipulation.
Celebrate, Educate, and Wear It Proudly
I’ve launched a Susan B. Anthony-inspired merch line to celebrate women’s independence, voting rights, and the power of our voices. If you want to wear a statement that actually represents her true legacy, check it out here.
And if you want to continue this conversation, I’ll be hosting a livestream for Women’s History Month in March where we’ll dive even deeper into the women whose histories have been misrepresented and erased. Stay tuned!
