The Evolution of Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights have always been a hot-button issue in the United States. The technologies in reproductive health, such as birth control methods, have developed significantly over the last hundred years. As these technologies have improved, laws have changed to suit the times. However, birth control and abortion have become so controversial that many of the laws and medical advances have gone backwards. The first condoms were developed in 1709. They were predominantly made of cloth, linen, and animal and were frequently used during the 1700’s and early 1800’s (Planned Parenthood). A variety of female barrier methods, like sponges, intravaginal plugs, cervical caps, and diaphragms, were created and patented as well during this time. These were often made from wood, cloth, and other materials (Lawagan). In 1844, vulcanized rubber was invented which let to the creation of the first rubber condom in 1855. The rubber condoms of this time were 1 to 2 millimeters thick with seems down the side and reusable, but very expensive. Like the condom, female barrier methods greatly improved with the availability of vulcanized rubber (“Evolution and Revolution: The Past, Present, and Future of Contraception”). In 1912, a new technique for producing condoms was developed by dipping glass molds into the raw rubber solution allowing for thinner condoms with no seams. By the 1930’s, production began on single-use condoms that were almost as thin and inexpensive as those available today (Planned Parenthood). In the United States, circulation of contraceptives was limited by the Comstock Act in 1873. The Comstock Act was a federal law which made it illegal to send any “obscene, lewd, and/or lascivious” materials through the mail, including contraceptive devices and information (“Birth Control”). In addition to banning contraceptives, this act also banned the distribution of information on abortion for educational purposes following the ideal of “Hear no Evil, See no
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