The New York Times reports that Sheldon J. Segal, who led the scientific team that developed Norplant, the first significant advance in birth control since the pill, and who also developed other long-acting contraceptives, died at his home in Woods Hole, Mass., on Saturday. He was 83.

Population Council has created a tribute to Segal that you can read here, and you can write your own thoughts here. Feel free to also share your memories and thoughts in the comments below as we honor a hero and pioneer in the world of family planning.

Photo: Lew Merrim/Monkmeyer