EPISODE · Mar 20, 2026 · 1H 44M
#17 The History of Contraception
from HERstoryPod · host The HERstory Project
The History of Contraception - This episode contains sensitive themes and graphic content linked to medical abuse and reproductive violence.This episode takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked and troubling history of contraception, revealing how scientific progress has frequently been intertwined with human experimentation, racial injustice, and societal control. Join Abby and Jillian as we explore ancient methods, medieval beliefs, and modern developments, highlighting the importance of acknowledging this complex past to inform present and future reproductive rights.This episode was researched by Leela Mace, presented by Abby Woodman and Jillian Ducker, and edited by Abby WoodmanKey Topics:The origins of contraception in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and Sumatra, including bizarre and toxic methods like crocodile dung pessaries and mercury ingestion.The influence of classical ideas about the male and female body, gender misconceptions, and how these shaped early reproductive theories.The development of barrier methods such as early condoms made from animal intestines and the infamous Roman advice to hold your breath during sex.The evolution of surgical procedures like Caesareans, the grim history of non-consensual experiments on enslaved women, and the role of unethical science in saving lives.The rise of modern contraceptives: the pill, IUDs, hormonal injections, and their roots in eugenics, racial targeting, and medical abuse.The ongoing legacy of racialized sterilization, reproductive violence against marginalized groups, and the importance of confronting this history.Planned ParenthoodHenrietta Lacks and Medical EthicsNazi Human Experimentation and EugenicsMargaret Sanger - Eugenics and Birth ControlModern Contraceptive Devices and Development History99:16 - The gendered bias in contraceptive development and access110:01 - The current landscape: the debate over male vs. female contraception113:18 - How hormonal contraceptives work: estrogen and progesterone interactions120:41 - The politics and societal resistance to contraception and reproductive rights122:38 - Short-term risks and side effects of hormonal methods129:56 - The persistent use of hormonal contraception today and societal implications
What this episode covers
The History of Contraception - This episode contains sensitive themes and graphic content linked to medical abuse and reproductive violence.This episode takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked and troubling history of contraception, revealing how scientific progress has frequently been intertwined with human experimentation, racial injustice, and societal control. Join Abby and Jillian as we explore ancient methods, medieval beliefs, and modern developments, highlighting the importance of acknowledging this complex past to inform present and future reproductive rights.This episode was researched by Leela Mace, presented by Abby Woodman and Jillian Ducker, and edited by Abby WoodmanKey Topics:The origins of contraception in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and Sumatra, including bizarre and toxic methods like crocodile dung pessaries and mercury ingestion.The influence of classical ideas about the male and female body, gender misconceptions, and how these shaped early reproductive theories.The development of barrier methods such as early condoms made from animal intestines and the infamous Roman advice to hold your breath during sex.The evolution of surgical procedures like Caesareans, the grim history of non-consensual experiments on enslaved women, and the role of unethical science in saving lives.The rise of modern contraceptives: the pill, IUDs, hormonal injections, and their roots in eugenics, racial targeting, and medical abuse.The ongoing legacy of racialized sterilization, reproductive violence against marginalized groups, and the importance of confronting this history.Planned ParenthoodHenrietta Lacks and Medical EthicsNazi Human Experimentation and EugenicsMargaret Sanger - Eugenics and Birth ControlModern Contraceptive Devices and Development History99:16 - The gendered bias in contraceptive development and access110:01 - The current landscape: the debate over male vs. female contraception113:18 - How hormonal contraceptives work: estrogen and progesterone interactions120:41 - The politics and societal resistance to contraception and reproductive rights122:38 - Short-term risks and side effects of hormonal methods129:56 - The persistent use of hormonal contraception today and societal implications
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#17 The History of Contraception
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