The Pat Kenny Show The incredible woman who fought the state on contraception ban
Nov 6, 2025
David Robert Grimes, an author and disinformation expert, pays tribute to his extraordinary aunt, Mary 'May' McGee, who bravely challenged Ireland's contraception ban. Grimes explores the historical context of her landmark case and how her dangerous pregnancies motivated her fight. They discuss the activism surrounding the contraceptive train, May's unique background compared to other activists, and the courtroom challenges she faced, including her hearing difficulties. Grimes reflects on her legacy and personal courage, highlighting her quiet bravery and impact on Irish society.
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Rural Origins Of A Landmark Plaintiff
- Mary 'May' McGee came from a very poor, rural background and lived in a mobile home when her case arose in 1973.
- Her life contrasted sharply with the more affluent activists who rode the 'contraceptive train' to Belfast.
Law Shaped By Church And Exposed By Social Change
- Ireland's 1930s ban on artificial contraception followed a Vatican encyclical and was reinforced in the 1937 constitution under Catholic influence.
- By the late 1960s and early 1970s cultural shifts and visible protests exposed the law's stark hypocrisy.
Contrast With The 'Contraceptive Train'
- Activists like Nell McCafferty publicly brought contraceptives from Belfast to challenge Irish law, an event called the 'contraceptive train'.
- May McGee did not participate in those stunts and came from a different socioeconomic background than many high-profile activists.
