[The women and the right to contraceptives].
During the first decades of the 20th century, many Swedish women were severely injured or died in complications following illegal abortions. Since legal abortion was forbidden, contraceptives were the only way to avoid pregnancy. But in the year 1910, a new Swedish law "Preventivlagen" prohibited any kind of advertising och public information considering contraceptives. They could still be sold in pharmacies or special medical stores, but it was no longer allowed to speak publicly about contraceptives in a leading manner. The punishment for disobeying was prison or fines. Some physicians and people involved in women liberation, public health and/or public education, claimed that the law brought negative medical, social and economic consequences, while others opposed the law being too soft. The law made the more than 100 years old question about contraceptives or not, a part of the medical, political and social agenda for the society. Some argument against contraceptives was concerned about the decreasing nativity rate--more use of contraceptives could make an even worse situation. Another reason was the fear of an increasing promiscuity if the contraceptives were more available. Still, many physicians and womens liberators did not se this as any big and important problems. They were more concerned about the women's health and her right to give birth to children at the time she wanted. Women had their right to be in charge of their lives, and should no longer be seen as victims of their biological nature. The right to contraceptives was not the only topic to be discussed during the late 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. Another central right to be claimed, was the possibility for people, especially young people, to be educated in sexual questions. Many women and also women physicians fought for young peoples right to this information. The law "Preventivlagen" was abolished in 1938. After that, women hade their legal right to choose for themselves at what time they wanted to get pregnant and also the number of children.
helena.charchafche.294@student.lu.se
Helena
H
Charchafche
Peter M
PM
Nilsson
D000329:Advertising / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000266:history*; D005260:Female; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D013548:Sweden; D014933:Women's Rights / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female