Frances Stewart Oral History

Interviewee

Frances Stewart

Interviewer

William R. Massa, Jr., MA

Files

Summary

Frances H. Stewart was interviewed by William R. Massa on May 17, 1977 for approximately 32 minutes.

Scope and Content

Stewart briefly discusses her experiences in medical school at the Washington University School of Medicine, her remembrances of Professor Ernest Sachs, and her internship at St. Louis Maternity Hospital. Stewart recounts the beginning of the first contraceptive clinic in St. Louis, the Maternal Health Association of Missouri (later Planned Parenthood of St. Louis), and some of its founders: Frederick J. Taussig, Robert J. Crossen, and Helen Buss. She also recalls her work at the clinic and its development over the years. The interview concluded with a discussion about problems with medical malpractice insurance and the rising cost of medical care.

Biographical Information: Interviewee

Frances H. Stewart was born in 1904. She received her medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in 1927 and practiced as an obstetrician and gynecologist in St. Louis for over 50 years. Interested in family planning and prenatal care, Stewart served as medical director of Planned Parenthood of St. Louis and on the clinical faculty of the Washington University School of Medicine.

Biographical Information: Interviewer

William R. Massa, Jr. was an archivist at the Smithsonian Institution Archives in Washington, DC from 1977-1988 and archivist at Yale University from 1988 to 2020. He earned a BA from Elizabethtown College and an MA from the University of Wisconsin (Madison).

Interview Date

1977-05-17

Collection Identifier

OH033

Length

Approximately 32 minutes.

Restrictions

Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).

Recommended Citation

Frances Stewart Oral History, OH033, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.

Notes

The audio quality of interview is poor.

Disclaimer

The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.