The document discusses the historical evolution of birth control methods and societal attitudes towards them, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of controlling reproduction. It highlights the significance of the condom's acceptance, initially promoted as a disease prevention tool before being recognized as a contraceptive. Furthermore, it notes the shift in perception regarding abortion and how it became less acceptable over time, influencing views on birth control.

1. Birth Control Essay
People have been having sex since the beginning of time; after all, how would we be here today if
they had not. Yet, there has also been the pervasive problem of how to gain control over
reproduction, in essence, how to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This is a challenge, even today, in
an age of technological advancements, mass communication and education. However, through the
years, the spread of information and awareness surrounding birth control has resulted in its increased
availability and an improvement in the lives of both men and women.
People are very clever and ingenious and have, throughout history, devised a variety of birth control
methods. The earliest known contraceptive came from the Egyptian women of around...show more
content...
The introduction of the condom in the 1700's was very important. The first condoms were made
of animal intestines. They were not nearly as effective as the latex condoms of today (Wikipedia,
2). Even so, according to 1920's and 1930's studies, the male condom was the second most
popular form of birth control, with withdrawal being the first (Gordon 63). Interestingly, the
condom was not originally accepted as a form of birth control. Instead, it was championed as
being a shield against venereal disease. After WWI, the acceptance of the condom as a form of
contraception was more widely recognized because even people who were opposed to the use of
birth control understood its value in preventing disease. This helped lead to its increased use, and
decreased some of the stigma to which it was attached (London 4).
Real awareness surrounding birth control came about when abortion was no longer viewed as
acceptable. By examining women's diaries and correspondence, it was discovered that abortion was
relatively widespread and not socially frowned upon up until, the beginning of the 19th century. Even
Protestants and Catholics thought abortion should be allowed until "'quickening'– the moment the
fetus was believed to gain life" (London 3). However, by the mid 19th century many states began
creating laws rendering abortion
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