Roberta West Nicholson

Roberta West Nicholson (January 17, 1903 – November 6, 1987) was a legislator and civic leader in Indiana. She co-founded the Indiana Birth Control League, a precursor of Planned Parenthood of Indiana, contributed to repealing Indiana's prohibition laws, and had a lead role in reforming Indiana's juvenile justice system. Her work to repeal breach of promise laws in Indiana contributed to changes in family law in the United States.

Early life Roberta West Nicholson was born on January 17, 1903 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Career Roberta West Nicholson dedicated her career to advocating for equality in Indianapolis. Nicholson grew up in a Republican household. However, upon learning about the significant influence of the Ku Klux Klan on the Indiana Republican Party during the 1920s, she became an engaged member of the Democratic Party.

In 1932, Nicholson embarked on her initial reform efforts by co-founding the Indiana Birth Control League, which eventually evolved into Planned Parenthood of Indiana. In this work, she was encouraged by birth control advocate Margaret Sanger. This marked the beginning of Nicholson's extensive advocacy for family planning and social hygiene. She became the inaugural director of the Indianapolis Social Hygiene Association in 1943, which later became the Social Health Association of Central Indiana (now known as LifeSmart Youth). Nicholson remained in this role until her retirement in 1960.

With the support of her father-in-law, Meredith Nicholson, she participated in the movement to repeal prohibition. She voiced concerns about the increase in gang-related crime due to prohibition and worried that her children might perceive her as breaking the law by consuming alcohol. In 1933, she was appointed by the governor, Paul V. McNutt, to serve on the Liquor Control Advisory Board and became a member of the Women's Organization of National Prohibition Repeal. Additionally, she was elected as secretary for the Indiana convention which ratified the 21st Amendment, ultimately repealing Indiana's prohibition laws.

End of life Suffering from ulcers and seeking a place of rest, Nicholson purchased a house in Brown County as a retreat in 1952. In 1960, Nicholson stepped down from her role as the inaugural director of the Indianapolis Social Hygiene Association, a position she had held since 1943. She suffered from ulcers, likely brought on by excessive exertion. Nicholson died in her home on November 6, 1987.