The emergence of Mildred Jefferson’s life purpose can be traced all the way back to her childhood, in the small town of Pittsburg, Texas during the 1930s.
That’s when her fascination of medicine began, under the wing of the local physician who allowed her to tag along on house calls in his horse-drawn carriage.
One day Mildred announced to him, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a doctor too.”
He could have suggested, “A career in nursing might be another good choice, Millie. It’s not a bit fair, but most medical schools will likely turn you down because you’re a girl, and even in these modern times, most doctors are men.” He might also have mentioned the barriers Mildred would face because she was black.
But the doctor encouraged her to work hard toward her dream. So did her mother and father, a teacher and Methodist minister respectively.
Mildred followed their advice and graduated from high school at age 15 and then college at 18, summa cum laude no less. Too young to enter medical school, Mildred earned her master’s degree in biology while she waited.
Against great odds, Mildred was accepted into medical school–at Harvard–and in 1951 became the first African American woman to graduate from the esteemed institution.
Then she became the first woman to intern at Boston City Hospital and the first female surgeon at Boston University Medical Center, where Mildred eventually served as professor of surgery.
By 1970 the abortion debate had begun to garner much attention. At the time, the American Medical Association was preparing a resolution in favor of abortion rights. Mildred strongly opposed such action, citing the Hippocratic oath and Judeo-Christian values as her defense.
Driven by her strong faith in God and heartfelt patriotism, Mildred began her fight against abortion. She helped found the Massachusetts chapter of Citizens for Life and later co-founded the National Right to Life Committee. Mildred served as president of the latter from 1975-1978.
After forty years of coping with sexism and racism Mildred had developed great strength of character and courage. She did not mince words concerning her conviction that abortion was wrong.
“I became a physician in order to save lives, not to destroy them,” Jefferson said in a 1978 interview. “I will not accept the proposition that the doctor should relinquish the role of healer to become the new social executioner.” [1]
In another interview, Mildred stated: I am at once a physician, a citizen, and a woman, and I am not willing to stand aside and allow the concept of expendable human lives to turn this great land of ours into just another exclusive reservation where only the perfect, the privileged, and the planned have the right to live” (2003, American Feminist Magazine). [2]
Mildred abhorred the fact that women of color aborted at higher rates than white women. Were there racist motives behind the push to publicly fund abortions? Was a purposeful genocide being committed against blacks? It certainly appeared so.[3]
Mildred asserted: “I would guess that the abortionists have done more to get rid of generations and cripple others than all the years of slavery and lynchings.”[4]
The articulate doctor received invitations to speak all over the country. Her logical arguments and impassioned delivery convinced many people that abortion was immoral.
After a television appearance in 1972, Mildred received the following letter:
“Several years ago I was faced with the issue of whether to sign a California abortion bill. . . . I must confess to never having given the matter of abortion any serious thought until that time. No other issue since I have been in office has caused me to do so much study and soul-searching . . . I wish I could have heard your views before our legislation was passed. You made it irrefutably clear that an abortion is the taking of a human life. I’m grateful to you.”
The letter was signed, Governor Ronald Reagan.[5]
For nearly 40 years Mildred continued to fight for the rights of the unborn as she lived up to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 25:40, that whatever we do for the least of those among us, we do it for him.
Sources:
- https://christiannewsjournal.com/one-doctors-prescription-for-life-mildred-fay-jefferson/
- https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/mildred-fay-jefferson
- https://cultureoflifestudies.com/newsletter/dr-mildred-fay-jefferson/
- https://kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2020/january/passionate-pioneer-remembered.html)
- https://marchforlife.org/dr-mildred-jefferson/
Notes
[1] https://kofc.org;en/news-room/columbia/202/january/passionate-pioneer-rememberd.html
[2] https://marchforlife.org/dr-mildred-jefferson/
[3] op. cit. https://kofc
[4] https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/mildred-fay-jefferson
[5] op. cit. https://kofc
Photo credits: http://www.picryl,com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.heartlight.org, Ben Steed; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.all.org.
From the Inside Out 
What an amazing woman, Nancy, and such an inspiring story of courage and conviction. Thank you for introducing me to a hero I never knew about until today.
Blessings!
I’m glad you found her story inspiring, Martha. Her name came up in my reading, and I hadn’t heard of her either. The more I learned about Dr. Jefferson, the more amazed I was too!
Nancy, thank you for such a beautiful, timely and inspiring post. I was not familiar with Dr. Mildred Jefferson and wish I had an opportunity to meet her. How wonderful it would be if more individuals followed her beliefs and her example.
Perhaps we can sit down with Dr. Jefferson in heaven, Ruth, and listen to her stories! You are right: she provides for us a most worthy example to follow.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this. I wish I could have known this remarkable woman.
We’ll get to know her in heaven, Linda!
Love this story, Nancy! What an incredible woman. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Mary. Couldn’t agree more: Dr. Jefferson was indeed an incredible woman!
Thank you for sharing Mildred’s story. I enjoyed reading it
You’re welcome, Brenda. So glad you enjoyed her story!
What a powerful story of a life well lived! Thank you for sharing, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Patty. She WAS a powerful woman, though short in stature!
Good evening Nancy,
What a great woman of faith, stength, wisdom, discernment and courage to stand up for her beliefs. We need more like her. Thanks Nancy again for a very interesting blog. I have been running around in Mansfield and Amish Country and a luncheon with my coworker of over a decade ago. Nice to sit down and read your blogs.
Sam
Thank you, Sam. So glad you’ve been able to enjoy your hometown (?) and old friends. This cooler, drier fall weather is perfect for being out and about!
The weather has been so beautiful. Thanks, Nancy, yes Mansfield, Ohio is my hometown. I have known him about 71 years. They have been married 53 years. Had lunch in Anish Country in Walnut Creek. In a few weeks the leaves will be like a painting. Enjoy!!!
Sam
Steve is from Columbus. A visit to his parents always included a drive out to Amish Country, usually for breakfast. Their cinnamon rolls were incredibly good and HUGE! As for the leaves, we’re spotting areas of color already. Particularly beautiful are the maples in our neighborhood, especially those that turn a brilliant red. Breath-taking artwork by our creative God!
This is an inspiring story. God, plus one, equals a majority!
AMEN, David. I too found her story inspiring. Surely Dr. Jefferson had no idea the impact of her efforts when she first set out to organize Citizens for Life in Massachusetts. Her willingness to serve God translated into an abundance of fruit!
What an amazing woman. Loved her quotes too.
Aren’t those quotes powerful? There are videos of her speaking some of these quotes–with great conviction! Amazing woman indeed, for her intelligence, wisdom, her gift of persuasion, and passion for the unborn.
The stories you share are always inspiring, friend … thanks for enlarging our worlds …
So glad you find these stories inspiring, Linda. I love sharing the ones that have enlarged MY world!
Thanks, Nancy, for sharing such a beautiful story of an incredible woman. It’s a breath of fresh air to read about her.
So glad you found beauty in Dr. Jefferson’s story. Agreed: she was unquestionably incredible!
I hope Dr. Jefferson and her life story can be found in grade-school history books these days. I can’t recall learning about her in the 1970’s but regardless, I appreciate you bringing her remarkable determination and achievements to light, Nancy. She is (and should be) an unqualified inspiration to us all.
It would be wonderful if at least our high school students knew of her, her view of abortion, and the reasons why. Perhaps like Ronald Reagan they’d be convinced how wrong it is.
This is such a powerful article, Nancy. Thank you for sharing Mildred’s story.
You’re welcome, Deborah. I too found her story to be a powerful example of Christian perseverance, courage, and passion for what is right.
As I read this biography I couldn’t help thinking, “why didn’t I learn about this remarkable woman in grade school U.S. history?” Dr. Jefferson belongs in our history books, especially to inspire today’s young people. Thank you for bringing her story to light, Nancy. Also, good on President (Governor) Reagan for giving her the acknowledgments she deserved.
You’re right: kudos to then-Gov. Reagan for giving Dr. Jefferson the acknowledgement she deserved. Most of us wouldn’t take the time! His response was an indication of his humility.
Wow, this post gave me goosebumps! What an amazing story. I am so thankful for people like Mildred Jefferson who speak up and stand up in the name of the Lord. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Now it’s my turn to say, “Wow,” that this post gave you goosebumps! Couldn’t agree with you more though: Mildred Jefferson WAS an amazing woman. I loved researching about her; glad you found her story worthwhile, Bridget!
Nancy,
Thanks for sharing Mildred’s story. She fought an important fight and yes life is precious.
In Christ,
Gary
I’m glad you enjoyed her story, Gary. Life is precious indeed!