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several centuries worth of contraceptive choices

Proponents of abstinence-only education note that not having sex at all was the only surefire way to prevent teen pregnancy. True enough in theory, but much harder to enforce in practice. Advocates of a more comprehensive approach to sex ed argue that providing the best available evidence on contraception and preventive measures will help keepteenagers kids from getting pregnant, even if they give in to their carnal desires. Of course, what was once considered the "best available" tools has evolved rapidly through the years. Here, a look back at preventive birth control through history.

 
 
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Member Comments

  • Posted By: Therese Shechter @ 11/02/2009 3:43:21 PM

    As someone doing a lot of work with issues around virginity, I have to quibble with calling a chastity belt a form of contraception. Contraception's purpose is to prevent conception after a sex act. Preventing someone from having sex in the first place doesn't quite count. I'd say abstinence is in that same category. There's no need for contraception if there's no sex happening.

    By the way, according the New York's Museum of Sex, chastity belts are usually found in museums of torture, a fitting place for devices designed by men to control women. http://theamericanvirgin.blogspot.com

  • Posted By: Kama @ 10/30/2009 12:46:30 PM

  • Posted By: Kama @ 10/30/2009 12:19:17 PM

    I agree - I received Norplant free through Planned Parenthood while in college - they inserted it and removed it for me. They counseled me fully on the possible side effects, but I never had a problem - it was great. (My partner watched them put it in too, his way to participate in the process) :-)

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