Meet Mary ‘May’ McGee: The Courageous Irish Mother Who Challenged the State and Emerged as a Feminist Icon
Mary ‘May’ McGee, an influential figure in Irish history, passed away recently at the age of 81. Her courageous legal battle in the 1970s against the State’s ban on contraception paved the way for significant social change in Ireland.
Early Life and Marriage
Born in 1944 near Skerries, Ireland, Mary was the second of seven children. At 14, she met Shay McGee at the local harbor. The couple tied the knot on June 1, 1968, and shared over 50 years of partnership until Shay’s passing in January 2024.
Motherhood and Health Struggles
The McGees were parents to four children between 1968 and 1970: Martin, Gerard, and twins Sharon and Sylvia. Each pregnancy severely impacted May’s health. After the twins were born in November 1970, her condition became critical, leading their family doctor, the late Dr. James Loughran, to recommend contraception for health reasons.
Legal Battle Against Contraceptive Ban
Due to the 1935 law prohibiting contraception, importing a spermicide jelly resulted in it being seized by customs. This incident prompted the McGees to take legal action. In 1973, they reached the Supreme Court, arguing their case on the grounds of marital privacy and the constitutional right to contraception.
Courtroom Dynamics
Shay’s testimony during the trials revealed the couple’s depth of commitment. He stated, “I’d prefer to see her using contraceptives than be placing flowers on her grave.” This poignant moment struck a chord and underscored the personal stakes involved in their fight.
Impact and Aftermath
The ruling ignited widespread discussions about contraception in Ireland, making headlines and stirring debate across various platforms. Despite the landmark decision, political change took time. In 1979, legislation was introduced that sought a compromise between conservative and liberal views by requiring prescriptions for contraceptives.
Long Road to Change
- 1973: McGee v. Attorney General case success
- 1979: Health Minister announces legislation aimed at legalizing contraception
- 2017: Emergency contraception becomes available without a prescription
Throughout the years, the McGee family’s role in this pivotal moment remained largely unrecognized, even by their own children. In addition to their first four children, they welcomed two more, Darren and Andrea. Shay opted for a vasectomy in 1981, reflecting the practical outcome of their battle.
Legacy of Courage
After Shay’s death, May found renewed purpose. She embraced life and even dyed her hair purple, humorously reminding her children that “your father would want me to have this.” In a reflective moment on a 2023 documentary, she stated, “Fear could do an awful lot of damage… but I really believe that we are a better world today than we were years ago.”
Mary ‘May’ McGee’s legacy as a courageous Irish mother who challenged the State remains an inspiring chapter in the story of Irish feminism, exemplifying the power of personal determination in enacting societal change.
