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contraception is far safer, healthier and more natural than
emptying the uterus, even if this could be done by skilled
surgeons on medical grounds, instead of by ignorant charlatans
and low class women—we must be careful not to confuse
the issues. On public platforms you will hear the statement
"We want self control, not Birth Control" but think a
moment what this means. It implies one of three courses of
behaviour:—
1. Permanent abstinence.
2. Restricting intercourse to the so-called "safe
periods " or,
3. Coitus reservatus or coitus interruptus.
Take No. 1:—
Permanent abstinence among the happily married is not
possible, and need not be discussed.
No. 2:—
So called safe period is by no means safe and often fails.
No. 3:—
Are certainly evils—physiologically and psychologically
—are heartily condemned by the medical profession
and are considered to be the prime cause of wide
spread anxiety—neuroses and unhappy marriages.
Those who oppose contraception should think of the
existence of nearly half a million lunatics, idiots, imbeciles,
mental defects and queer people in England and Wales alone.
Yet no official enquiry is made into the family history before
marriage, although this could be effected at no great cost
and in strict confidence. Fortunately the Women's
Societies of the nation are becoming anxious about the condition
of affairs and will presently insist upon some definite
action by the State. In the meantime contraception is necessary.
Your health Visitors have produced lists of women
who should be advised. Take for example the tuberculous.
I suppose no class of woman conceives more easily that a
consumptive and whilst pregnant her symptoms seem to be
in abeyance. No classes of cases give the doctor more
anxiety than those suffering from heart disease, Brights,
epilepsy, dropsy, the hemorrhagic diathesis—why deprive
them? Surely some women need protection from a diseased
or alcoholic husband!
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