As current and former employees of Pathfinder International who believe strongly in its mission, we write this letter today to voice our gratitude to and support for the descendants of Clarence Gamble, specifically Dr. Walter Gamble, Ms. Judy Kahrl, and Mr. Ben Kahrl.

We have always found the descendants of Dr. Gamble to be humble, respectful, and supportive of the work of Pathfinder. Our interactions with the Gamble family over the years reinforces our collective belief and understanding that the family is committed to transparency and accountability, including greater understanding of the long-term effects of eugenicist policies and programs. 

The Gamble family has never shied away from the fact that the field of family planning philanthropy has roots in the field of eugenics or that Dr. Clarence Gamble was an early adopter of this concept, along with many mainstream scientists, doctors, and members of the general public. The descendants of Dr. Gamble have intentionally worked to come to grips with his involvement with eugenics and have frequently and publicly disavowed those beliefs.

The family has committed significant amounts of funding, time, and energy to supporting Pathfinder International and advancing reproductive justice in general. The Gamble family’s financial contributions have enabled Pathfinder to improve the sexual and reproductive health of millions of men, women and young people around the world. Importantly, the Gamble family has provided substantial amounts of unrestricted funding that enabled Pathfinder to test innovative and cutting-edge approaches and to develop new opportunities for partnership with local, national, and international organizations.

We are saddened and concerned that the Gamble family feels it necessary to leave the Board of Pathfinder and withdraw financial support for the organization. We are deeply saddened by the subsequent rhetoric that has attempted to characterize the Gamble family as inappropriately disruptive and disparaging of the governance of the organization. It has never been our experience that the Gamble family has attempted to exert undue influence in day-to-day operations, nor have they attempted to repress and hide the history and philosophies of its founder. 

We believe strongly in the good work being done by Pathfinders around the world, and we hope to see that work continue. We commend the Gamble family’s efforts to confront Dr. Clarence Gamble’s legacy and shift the narrative to reflect their enduring support for and significant contributions to achieving reproductive and social justice for all men, women and young people.

Sincerely,  Former and Current Employees of Pathfinder International