Fenella Paton

Fenella Paton or Fenella Crombie (29 January 1901 – 21 October 1949) was a philanthropist and pioneer of women. She founded the first birth control clinic in Aberdeen. [1][2]

Fenella Paton
Born29 January 1901
London
Died21 October 1949
Aberdeen
Other namesFenella Crombie
Spouse(s)John David Paton (Married 1923 - 1949)
Parent(s)Minna Wason (Mother) John W. Crombie (Father)
RelativesEugene Wason (Grandfather)

Early life

Paton was born in London to Minna Wason and John W. Crombie. [2]

She was born into a political family. Her father was a Liberal MP for Kincardineshire[1] and her grandfather was Liberal MP Eugene Wason. [2]

Paton married John David Paton, of Grandhome, in 1923.[2] They resided in Aberdeen and had two sons and four daughters.[2]

Aberdeen Women's Welfare Centre

Inspired by Marie Stopes work, Paton founded the Aberdeen Women's Welfare Centre in 1926[3]. It provided advice on birth control to local women.

Paton ran the clinic along with volunteers. Initially the team consisted of a family doctor, Dr Florence Malcolm, and a Nurse, Mrs Rae. [3] Although the clinic was not associated with Marie Stopes' organisation, Paton and Stopes corresponded and Stopes visited the clinic in 1933.[3][4] After this visit, Dr Kathleen Fraser was appointed. [3]

The clinic was funded by Paton, her mother, and friends.[2] In 1935, Aberdeen City Council started to partially fund the centre. The clinic was funded by Paton until 1948, when it was transferred to the National Health Service.[1]

Philanthropy

Paton was a member of several charities and organisations in Aberdeen, including the YWCA.[2]

She was praised for her involvement in St Katherine's Community Club, which helped girls from working class backgrounds by organising social and educational activities. [2]

References
  1. "Fenella Paton | Mapping Memorials to Women in Scotland". womenofscotland.org.uk. Retrieved 2019-12-17.
  2. The new biographical dictionary of Scottish women. Ewan, Elizabeth. Edinburgh. ISBN 978-1-4744-3629-8. OCLC 1057237368.CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. Baird, Dugald. "Changing pattern of human reproduction in Scotland". Journal of Biosocial Science. 7 (1): 77–97. doi:10.1017/S0021932000010063. Retrieved 2019-12-17.
  4. Elliott, Kirsten (2014-10-31). "Birth Control Clinics in Scotland, 1926 – c.1939". doi:10.3366/jshs.2014.0120. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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