Revisionist History Dr. Rock’s Taxonomy
Jul 25, 2019
Dive into the life of John Rock, the co-inventor of the birth control pill, who wrestled with his faith as a devoted Catholic. Explore his moral dilemmas in advancing reproductive rights, and the stark contrast between science and tradition. Hear personal stories of workers facing ethical awakenings and the historical debate within the Catholic Church about contraception. This compelling narrative highlights the emotional struggle for acceptance amidst criticism and the impact of individual conscience on women's health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
John Rock's Early Activism
- John Rock, as a young man, defied United Fruit Company by refusing to cut Jamaican workers' wages.
- He helped injured workers during a strike, demonstrating his strong conscience.
Rock's Immovable Faith
- John Rock's deep commitment to Catholicism prevented him from leaving the Church, despite its conflict with his work.
- This mirrors a sentiment from James Joyce: losing faith doesn't mean losing one's identity.
Modern Contraception and mTOR
- Current contraceptive methods are crude, blocking all progesterone instead of targeting ovulation specifically.
- A potential drug, mTOR, could pause egg development, extending fertility and potentially bypassing church objections.
