Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Pill: Sexual Liberation?
May 20, 2025
Donna Drucker, a historian from Columbia University and author of 'Contraception: A Concise History,' dives into the history and impact of the contraceptive pill. They discuss its revolutionary role in women's liberation and the complex legacy surrounding its development. Drucker highlights the darker aspects of the pill’s trials and the ethical issues tied to its history, including eugenics and racism. The conversation reveals how the pill transformed societal norms and relationships, paving the way for reproductive autonomy.
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Kinsey's Overlooked Contraception Role
- Alfred Kinsey's research largely ignored contraception despite its importance in sexual behavior.
- Donna Drucker wrote her book to better understand contraception's role in sexuality history.
Contraception Crucial for Women's Liberation
- Women faced severe social and economic constraints in mid-20th-century US, increasing the need for reliable contraception.
- Pregnancy could lead to financial ruin, marriage pressure, and stigma for unwed mothers.
Pill Origins and Controversies
- The contraceptive pill emerged from hormone research and population control interests, not primarily women's autonomy.
- Tests included consented patients and others involuntarily in psychiatric hospitals and Puerto Rico, reflecting ethical issues.
