Birth Control
While birth control is much more accessible now than it was about a half-century ago, when contraceptives were used but not publicly discussed, it remains a volatile issue in the United States and is difficult to access in some states. This section discusses laws that enable and restrict access to birth control; a historical overview of birth control laws in the U.S., particularly the landmark 1965 U.S. Supreme Court decision Griswold v. Connecticut; a primer on relevant laws since the court established legal access to contraceptives; and other topics related to birth control laws.
- Birth Control and the Law
Birth control has a long history, and the right to have it is the result of many political activists’ hard work. Read about its history and the state of birth control rights today.
- Background and History
Though most of the political and scientific developments in birth control have happened since 1900, the topic was debated even before the twentieth century. This article has an overview of the issues discussed over a century ago.
- Legal Developments
Legislators constantly struggles to keep up with birth control’s scientific developments. Learn about how new pills and techniques have impacted the law over time, and the legal state of the current market.
- Griswold v. Connecticut
Though many decisions have influenced reproductive rights over time, none are as important as Griswold v. Connecticut, which defined both the individual right to privacy and the right to plan a family.