Gloria Steinem, Feminist Icon and Reproductive Rights Advocate, Dies at 92

• Feminist trailblazer, journalist, and reproductive rights advocate Gloria Steinem has died at age 92.
• Steinem spent more than five decades advocating for women’s equality and reproductive rights.
• Her legacy includes helping found influential organizations such as the National Women’s Political Caucus and Women’s Media Center.

Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist activist, journalist, and reproductive rights advocate, died at her home in New York City on September 2. She was 92.

In a post on her official Instagram page, the death of the women’s liberation leader was confirmed: “Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her.” The post didn’t confirm a cause of death.

“Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end,” the post added. “She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing.”

The Instagram post noted that “Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain” and asked that others light a candle in her honor. 

In lieu of flowers, her representation noted that Steinem would like those who wish to honor her with a gift to make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation. 

Steinem was a feminist leader, reproductive rights advocate

Steinem dedicated her life to political and social change, standing up for causes such as reproductive freedom, domestic violence prevention, and gender, racial, and sexual equality in the workplace. 

“Gloria Steinem is a towering figure of hope and strength for feminists, humanists, those who believe in equality and equity, and for all people who benefit from women and people of all genders participating in the world in a full and complete way,” said Sarah Prager, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington. 

Steinem’s advocacy for women’s rights began in the late 1960s. She fought for women’s equality in the workplace and reproductive freedoms, including legalized abortion.

“Gloria Steinem helped to promote reproductive rights by highlighting the dangers to women and families when these rights are suppressed, by talking about her own abortion, and by writing about abortion and reproductive rights frequently in Ms. Magazine, which she co-founded,” said Prager. 

On her website, Steinem stated that she fought for reproductive freedom because, “The attempts to oppose reproductive freedom are long, violent, and current. Male control of reproduction and women’s bodies is the first step in every hierarchy.”

“Equality between men and women – starting with our ability to control our own bodies – is the beginning of democracy.” 

Steinem’s vision of equity and equality included LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. She maintained that gender and racial inequality went hand in hand. 

Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, gave this statement on Steinem’s passing: “Gloria was a force who drew people to the cause of women’s freedom until her very last days. She believed in her soul that we could change the world around us — and the strength of that belief left no room for doubt, in her or in the movement she led.”

Steinem helped build organizations that advanced women’s rights

Alongside her advocacy for equality and reproductive freedom, Steinem founded or co-founded several organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights.

In 1971, Steinem, along with Brenda Feigen Fasteau and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, founded the Women’s Action Alliance. This organization was active until 1997 and provided resources, networking, and strategic support to women’s rights activists.

Steinem also helped found the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971 to increase women’s participation in politics and the Coalition of Labor Union Women in 1974.

She also co-founded the Women’s Media Center with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan. 

Steinem continued her advocacy throughout her later years. She was 79 when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013 in recognition of her lifetime of activism. 

“[Steinem is] like a piece of history. And she’s framed the future, and it’s utterly inspirational. Her view of what needs to happen is unique and motivational and inspiring, and I love her dearly,” Jane Fonda told People in 2024. 

Prager told Healthline that she believes Steinem’s death will motivate people to continue pursuing equality and reproductive rights.

“Her death reminds us that we’ve fought these battles before and we can fight them again.”