Contraception and Conflict
Marie Carmichael Stopes-
date unknown
Never before had the matter been stated so blatantly. The advent of the 20th century saw the rise of a shocking new movement across Great Britain. Hand in hand with women's suffrage and the technological innovations of a new era, the time was right for women's sexual health to become a forefront issue. No longer would it be whispered about behind closed doors. Enter Marie Carmichael Stopes - the catalyst that launched the controversial movement.
From early days as a suffragist, Stopes became the chief advocate of the birth control movement in Great Britain. A paleobotanist by training, Dr. Stopes was the youngest PHD in Britain at the time she received her doctrate. Soon after, a poorly matched marriage failed due mainly to her husband's impotence. Stopes turned her full attention towards women's sexual health and birth control. Tenacious and outspoken, her extensive efforts launched the movement that soon swept across the country.
At the same time religious, cultural and political, the public nature of the campaign caused a polarizing response across the nation. Scandalous literature, innovative devices, and public debates all characterize the early 20th century birth control movement. Explore the many faces of this contentious time in history and relive the birth of the contraceptive movement.
From early days as a suffragist, Stopes became the chief advocate of the birth control movement in Great Britain. A paleobotanist by training, Dr. Stopes was the youngest PHD in Britain at the time she received her doctrate. Soon after, a poorly matched marriage failed due mainly to her husband's impotence. Stopes turned her full attention towards women's sexual health and birth control. Tenacious and outspoken, her extensive efforts launched the movement that soon swept across the country.
At the same time religious, cultural and political, the public nature of the campaign caused a polarizing response across the nation. Scandalous literature, innovative devices, and public debates all characterize the early 20th century birth control movement. Explore the many faces of this contentious time in history and relive the birth of the contraceptive movement.