Title: Edward Foote's Medical Common Sense: an early American comment on birth control.

POPLINE Document Number: 702104

Author(s):

Cirillo VJ

Source citation:

Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences 25: 341-345. Jul y 1970,

Abstract:

The 1864 edition of Edward Foote's Medical Common Sense is remarkabl e because it candidly supported birth control. The hazards of multiple pregnancy to maternal health were mentioned, but Malthusian concerns wer e primary. Folk methods of birth control were denounced. The methods t hat were currently in use--the glans condom, the regular condom, and the cervical diaphragm--were discussed. Because of his unorthodox views, Foote was convicted under the Comstock law in 1876. He continued to advocate birth control up to his death in 1906.

Keywords:

Contraception
Family Planning