Our Bodies Ourselves Marked Banned Books Week
The Boston-based organization hosted an open house at its new Suffolk University home to spotlight its history of advocacy.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Our Bodies Ourselves held a recent open house to highlight the ongoing impact of Banned Books Week. The event showcased the group's long-standing efforts to protect literature and promote women's health.
Why it matters
The gathering served to increase public awareness regarding the challenges of censorship faced by the group's namesake publication. By reflecting on their history, the organization aims to continue its work in advocating for women's health and gender-inclusive rights.
Founded by Bostonian women in 1970, the organization has since expanded its reach by translating publications into 32 different languages. The group is currently based at Suffolk University.
The players
Our Bodies Ourselves
This Boston-based nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting accurate information about women's health and sexuality.
Suffolk University
This private research university in Boston currently serves as the base for the operations of the organization.
The details
At the event, attendees viewed previous editions of the famous text and reviewed materials documenting its history with censorship since it was first challenged in 1977. The organization continues to collaborate with feminist groups globally to ensure its literature remains accessible for discussions on health and sexuality.
Timeline
The organization was founded by women in Boston in 1970.
The book Our Bodies Ourselves faced its first formal challenge in 1977.
Banned Books Week occurred from October 4 to October 10, 2026.
The organization hosted an open house on October 6, 2026.
An international conference on women and health is planned for March 2027.
Culture Shift
The organization's recent event follows a pattern set by Banned Books Week to defend intellectual freedom. By highlighting the history of their own publication, they emphasize the long-term struggle against the censorship of vital health and gender information.
Residents can engage with the organization's resources at its new Suffolk University location to learn about health advocacy and educational equity. Supporters may also watch for upcoming opportunities to participate in the international conference planned for early 2027.
The takeaway
The organization continues to serve as a critical resource for health education despite decades of legislative and social challenges to its materials. Readers can support their mission by participating in future outreach events or engaging with their translated educational resources.
What happens next
The organization plans to hold an international conference on women and health in March 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local advocacy and related programming, see Women’s Issues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Suffolk Journal.
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