Reproductive Health

These sources discuss reproductive health and pregnancy throughout American history from the 19th century to the present.

Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology 1st Edition by  Deirdre Cooper Owens (2017)

Examines how 19th century doctor-patient relationships were affected by American ideas of race, health and status, and how exploited groups of African American women and Irish immigrant women were used for medical experimentation.

Contraception (Birth Control): Its Theory, History and Practice. A Manual for the Medical and Legal Professions. (1927) by Marie Carmichael Stopes

This provides a look at how birth control was viewed in the early 20th century, along with its treatments. It should be noted that Stopes was a supporter of eugenics and this text could be examined to in this aspect too.

THE VENEREAL DISEASE HANDBOOK FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS; A Program of Venereal Disease Control by: United States Public Health Service (1924)

This provides insight on what the US knew about STIs/STDs and how it was viewed in the community.

Sex/Family Life Education and Sensitivity Training – Indoctrination or Education by: C.P.R. – Information Center (1969)

This was a report made for the California State Board of Education against the Family Life Education program being used in one of the schools. This chronicles one instance of opposition of teaching sex education in public schools inteh United States.

The Pursuit of Parenthood: Reproductive Technology from Test-Tube Babies to Uterus Transplants 1st Edition by Margaret Marsh and Wanda Ronner (2019)

Discusses the new technologies available to help conceive children and the ethical, social, and racial issues that surround these new developments.