CGS NS 202 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Comstock Laws, Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood
Document Summary
People have always attempted to control family size: prolonged breastfeeding increases birth interval between babies. Each month of breastfeeding increases bl by 0. 4 months: biblical mention of contraception by means of withdrawal, herbal concoctions to prevent pregnancy or to cause abortions well described in. Greek, roman, and chinese medical writings: use of condoms dates to 16th century, abortions have been conducted for centuries. History of family planning in u. s: first contraceptive textbook published in 1832 by dr. charles knowlton. He was jailed for advocating birth control: victorian morality made discussions of sex and reproduction taboo. In 1873 comstock law prohibited sending birth control information or devices through the mail: 1st feminist wave at the beginning of teh 20th century pushed support for family planning to improve the health of women. Margaret sanger was the major force behind the movement to overturn the comstock law and provide birth control to women. She created the birth control league in 1932.