The Evolution of Birth Control

By Johannah Cornblatt
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 keep teenagers 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.