Controlling Reproduction: An American History

by Andrea Tone (Editor)

Few topics stir stronger interest than birth control and abortion. Divisive opinions abound. This informative, detailed text contains 39 writings on the history of reproduction in the U.S. The historical path of reproduction control is viewed in the contexts of politics, law, medicine, sexuality, business, and social change. Because birth control has been construed chiefly as a female responsibility, Controlling Reproduction stresses the centrality of gender in the history of reproduction and explores how and why reproduction-as a biological, social, and economic function-became a gender-assigned issue. Controlling Reproduction also includes some of the most significant debates currently guiding the study of reproduction. Students will find this work a powerful, enlightening source on women's issues and the history of birth control in the United States.

Genres: History

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains one of the single most important collections of primary sources on this subject & therefore should be on the shelf of everyone interested in American history or the history of women & reproduction. It's compact, well-edited, readable & accessible. There are additional sources people should consult, & this collection serves as an excellent primer to get one started. It's one I recommend most often on the subject. Many people are surprised by our own history & find truth stranger (and more ironic) than fiction.