Nawal Bashimam

July 25, 2005

Contraception: Ways, Means, and Propaganda in the 19^th Century

In my research paper, there are four main themes I will discuss. The first is the types of contraception that was used in 19^th century America. The second theme that will be explored is how women used the various types of contraception available. Third theme will ask the question, “Why women began using contraceptives during this time?” Finally, how were women educated about the different types of contraceptives available?

SECONDARY SOURCES:

1. Anderton, Douglas L., and Lee L. Bean. “Birth Spacing and Fertility Limitation: A Behavioral Analysis of a Nineteenth Century Frontier Population.” Demography, Vol.22, No.2. (May 1985): 169-183.

This article provides information on why family limiting had become popular. The authors prove their theory using behavioral analysis. I would use this article in helping to explain how family limiting and contraceptives were related.

2. Brodie, Janet Farrell. Contraception and Abortion in Nineteenth Century America. New York: Cornell University Press, 1994.

This book contains a lot of information regarding contraception in 19^th century America. I would use this book to explain the types of contraceptives used, how they were used, and the propaganda surrounding them.

3. Dye, Nancy Schrom. “History of Childbirth in America.” Signs, Vol. 6, No. 1, Women: Sex and Sexuality, Part 2. (Autumn 1980): 97-108.

This article is filled with information about different methods of childbirth and how they have changed. I would use the beginning of this article to explain how women began to have some control over their bodies in the nineteenth century, and how they used this control in child birth and contraceptives.

4. LaSorte, Michael A. “Nineteenth Century Family Planning,” Journal of Psychohistory 4, no. 2 (1976): 163-183.

This journal article concentrates on the family planning practices of the nineteenth century. I would use this article for its examples on the different ways of planning for a family during this time and its effect on women’s use of contraceptives.

5. Louge, Barbara J. “The Case for Birth Control before 1850: Nantucket Reexamined,” Journal of Interdisciplinary History 15, no.3 (Winter 1985): 371-391.

In this journal article the author describes how and why contraceptives are used by women in the early nineteenth century. She does that by using Nantucket as a case study during this time. I would use this journal article to discuss reasons of using contraceptives in rural America during this time period.

6. Osterud, Nancy and John Fulton. “Family Limitation and Age at Marriage: Fertility Decline in Sturbridge, Massachusetts 1730-1850.” Population Studies, Vol. 30, No. 3. (Nov., 1976): 481-494.

This article primarily deals with census statistical analysis, using the census the authors try to explain the family limitation used in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. I would use this article to provide examples of population decline and how contraceptives played a role in it.

7. Sauer, R. “Attitudes to Abortion in America.” Population Studies, Vol. 28, No. 1. (Mar., 1974): 53-67.

This article provides an examination of propaganda used in America relating to abortion. Also, examines the way Americans felt about abortion throughout the years. I would use the beginning of this article to help relate the feelings Americans had toward abortion in nineteenth century and how abortion pamphlets affected women during this time.

8. Smith-Rosenburg, Carroll, and Charles Rosenburg. “The Female Animal: Medical and Biological Views of Women and Her Role in Nineteenth Century America,” The Journal of American History 60, no. 3 (Sep., 1973): 332-356.

This journal article gives of the woman anatomy and their “sexual” nerves. I would use this journal article to explain physically how contraceptives were used and how it affects the body.

9. Tone, Andrea. Controlling Reproduction: An American History. Delaware: SR Books, 1997.

This is a book containing numerous essays on reproduction and America and ways women have used to control it. This is a good book for a broad overview on types of contraceptives and how they were used in controlling the population growth.

PRIMARY SOURCES:

1. Ballard, Martha. The Diary of Martha Ballard. Edited by Robert Causland and Cynthia MacAlman McCausland. Camden, Maine: Picton Press, c.1992.

This is the diary of a midwife during antebellum America. This would be an easily obtainable book; it is located in the Main Library at UGA on the 4^th floor.

2. Barrett, Kate Waller. “Papers of Kate Waller Barrett.” New Englander and Yale Review, Volume 17, Issue 66. New Haven: W.L. Kingsley etc, May 1859.

This is a set of personal papers of a well known feminist of the Nineteenth century. These papers would be hard to attain, because they are in the Madison Manuscript Room at the Library of Congress. Also, it was noted that there were several containers holding all of the papers.

2. Burns, John. Observations on Abortion. Springfield: I. Thomas, June 1809.

This is a pamphlet on abortion distributed in early Nineteenth century America. This pamphlet can be seen in the basement of the Main Library microfilm collection at UGA.

3. Severn, Charles. First Lines of the Practice of Midwifery. London: S. Highley, 1832.

This is a book written about midwifery during the Nineteenth century. This book is very rare and there is only one copy in the world. This book is located at the Library of Congress in the Jefferson rare book and special collection room, and is very unattainable.

4. Wright, Henry Clarke. The Unwelcomed Child; or, The Crime of an Undesigned Maternity. Boston: B. Marsh, 1858.

This is a book about unexpected children and ways women might have gotten rid of them and the punishments they faced. This book is available in the Main Library basement on microfilm at UGA.