Birth Control

(Hardback)

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Description

Intended as a reference tool for college students, this book examines the origins of and controversies associated with birth control in the United States. Issues regarding access to, education about, and practice of birth control have played a pivotal role in religious, social, and political conflicts throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 21st century, controversies surrounding birth control remain at the forefront of current political debates over topics as varied as women's rights, social welfare initiatives, federal healthcare funding, consumer protection and physician liability, and informed consent. Birth Control provides a historical background of premodern practices, describes birth control in the 19th20th centuries, and discusses all currently available types of contraceptive systems, including both artificial and natural methods. The treatment of contemporary public debates on birth control addresses questions posed on practical, ethical, religious, and moral grounds, presented respectfully and in a balanced fashion.

Reviews

Overall, Birth Control is a balanced, fair source of information on birth control topics in social and political areas, presenting an accessible, introductory overview, rather than taking a stand or advocating a certain agenda. This volume is most appropriate for high school, college, and public libraries. * ARBA *
An excellent overview of birth control and related controversies over time. . . . This book serves as an excellent research starter and source for some important related primary documents. Focusing less on the science of birth control and more on related ethical and social issues, it would be useful for students in a variety of social science and humanities courses. * Choice *
Zorea navigates the issues from a historical perspective in an informative and neutral tone. This excellent overview makes a complex topic understandable and is suitable for general readers and undergraduates. * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Aharon W. Zorea is associate professor in history at the University of Wisconsin, Richland, WI.