HUSL Today Salutes

Lena Frances Edwards

Image Source: http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/Images/E_Images/Edwards_Lena_c1980_JJ.jpg

Lena Frances Edwards was born on September 17, 1900 in Washington, D.C.  She graduated Howard University Medical School in 1924, and started her medical practice in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1925 within the immigrant community of Hudson County, New Jersey.

She advocated natural childbirth. Because of racism and sexism, it took years before she was admitted to the residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City. She also taught obstetrics at Howard University Medical School but told them she could not accept a department chair because of her religious objections to abortion. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Her religious beliefs underlay a life of service. Among other things, she was the medical adviser to the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, and volunteered at a mission for Mexican migrant workers in Texas. Her service was recognized by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1966 she was awarded an honorary degree from Saint Peter's College, New Jersey. She was awarded the Poverello Medal in 1967. She passed away in 1986 in Lakewood, New Jersey.

HUSL Today Salutes Lena Frances Edwards!

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