THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT
Joanne Gates Fiore
“I worked in the first feminist abortion clinic when it opened July 1st, 1970… I became very aware of the need for education for teenagers. I wrote a course based on Our Bodies Ourselves, which I was very influenced by.”
Therapist, Poet, Writer, Abortion Advocate. Counselor at the first feminist abortion clinic, Center for Reproductive and Sexual Health (CRASH), NY, 1970. Pioneered Sex Education for Teens. Worked as a sex and family planning counselor at The Door, A multi-service center for teens in New York City.
Interviewed by Judy Waxman, Oral Historian, January 2026
Joanne Gates Fiore circa 1970.
More About Joanne:
- Changing Bodies, Changing Lives, By Ruth Bell and other co-authors, of Our Bodies, Ourselves, together with members, including Joanne Gates of the Teen Book Project.
- Pioneered Sex Education for Teens, through media presentations, “How About You?” 1972 (25 minute film by Pandora Films)
- Moderated six one-hour shows leading a group discussion on sexual issues, “Teenage Sexuality,” Cable TV series, 1974.
- Wrote and presented a Teenage Health and Sexuality course.
- Our Bodies Ourselves website
- Planned Parenthood website