Sarah Hackett Stevenson

Sarah Ann Hackett Stevenson (February 2, 1841 – August 14, 1909) was an American physician in Illinois, and the first female member of the American Medical Association (AMA), as an Illinois State Medical Society delegate in 1876. She was a leader and advocate for the emancipation of women and for the equal treatment of men and women.

Early life and education Stevenson was born in Buffalo Grove, (now Polo), in Ogle County, Illinois. She was one of seven children and the younger of two daughters. Her mother, Sarah T. Hackett, daughter of Captain Simon Hackett, was born into a prominent Philadelphia family. She was a strong advocate for the emancipation of woman. Dr. Stevenson opted to resign from her position at the Woman's Medical College because she believed the segregation of sexes in medical school was no longer needed. In 1875, she took up a professorship at the Women's Hospital Medical College, which later became part of Northwestern University but was closed in 1892. In 1876, attending the AMA convention as a delegate of the Illinois State Medical Society, she was accepted without controversy as the AMA's first female member. In 1880 she co-founded the Illinois Training School for Nurses together with Lucy Flower. She retired in 1903.

Dr. Stevenson was listed as a consulting physician at Bellevue Place, sanitarium and rest home in Batavia, Illinois.

In 1893, Stevenson proposed to the Chicago Woman's Club to create a safe home for women and children without funds and in need of shelter. Her proposal was accepted by many and followed by donations from various individuals and other clubs; the Woman's Model Lodging House was then opened to the public as a result of Stevenson's plea to help those in need. There was a charge of fifteen cents per night, and those who were unable pay were given work to pay for their lodging.

Writings Boys and Girls in Biology (1875) A high school textbook based on Thomas Huxley's lectures. The Physiology of Women (1880) The purpose of this book was to educate women about themselves. There are five chapters within the book that talk about the physiology and anatomy of women, mental health, marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, and much more. Wife and Mother: Or, Information for Every Woman (1888) A book with several chapters including what to expect during and after pregnancy.