Abstract
In summary, it would seem that sociologists have given the birth control problem a new dimension. What was once a subject fit only for the Victorian drawing rooms of intellectuals is now being given a public hearing, with all of its political, moral,and economic aspects being aired. It would be interesting to note, however, how many of the people who are being apprised of the problems of expanding birth rates and decreasing death rates are aware of the archaic legislation that governs the use of birth control devices in our own country. For example, do advocates of a policy of having our government supply foreign aid for birth control information and devices, realize that in two of our own United States a practicing physician cannot legally give birth control information or prescribe contraceptive devices, even when his patient's life is endangered, and that in a third, he can technically do so only for prevention or cure of disease? Do they realize that, but for exceptions made by judicial interpretation, the federal statutes of the United States would not allow theuse of the mails for shipment of birth control information or devices? Obviously many of our laws on the subject are antiquated in the light of social considerations. It would seem wise to revamp them before we can so strongly advocate that the government spend tax dollars to accomplish in foreign countries what is illegal in some areas of the United States.
Recommended Citation
Jack H. Hudson, Birth Control Legislation, 9 Clev.-Marshall L. Rev. 245 (1960)