Developing Birth Control Policy in America: Where Science and Rhetoric Meet
Course Description:
When looking at women’s health policy in America, there seems to be a severe lack of a scientific perspective on the matter. Like most topics in politics, opinions tend to interfere with sensible policy making. But why, in the United States, is women’s health policy seemingly shaped by opinions rather than scientific data? When looking specifically at birth control methods and regulation, the political climate has been tumultuous to say the least. In the current political climate, there’s a disconnect between developing policy and science, and we want to explore why that’s the case.
Since a women’s ability to control her reproductive facilities is fundamental to her autonomy (although some would argue against this), why is there such a polarized debate surrounding birth control? We will address the possible reasons the rhetoric surrounding birth control is controversial and lacks scientific understanding and discussion. Why is birth control a different health issue both scientifically and politically? Further, we will discuss how we can reshape the rhetoric and policy regarding birth control using a scientific perspective and what are the pros and cons of using that particular perspective.
This class will first focus on a scientific introduction to birth control, and move onto medical history, social history, and finally political history of birth control in the United States.
Week 1: Introduction to Birth Control
This week will be used to introduce students to all the different methods of birth control, and the mechanisms various forms of birth control utilize.
Students should carefully read through each article containing information about each type of birth control and then further consult articles regarding the mechanics of birth control. I want them to question whether they knew this information prior to reading through these articles. In addition, what misconceptions did they have about birth control prior? What were they told about birth control in school?
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/birth-control/hormonal-methods
Through listings and comprehensive descriptions of hormonal birth control.
https://www.drugs.com/article/non-hormonal-birth-control.html
http://www.boulderwomenshealth.org/our-services/birth-control/nonhormonal-methods/
These websites give a quick run down of all non-hormonal methods of birth control.
https://www.arhp.org/hormonalcontraception/
This interactive site provides mechanistic information for multiple methods of hormonal birth control with visuals!
Lastly students will read about male birth control! While it is not on the market yet in the US, it soon will be and students should understand the differences.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/07/health/male-birth-control-pill/
http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20160325/male-birth-control#1
Week 2: Medical History of Birth Control
This week is so students understand how modern birth control came from old methods. How was birth control invented?
For these readings, I feel it would be a good idea to go in a relatively chronological order. Students should have a general mental timeline of different methods used.
Reading: The Moral Property of Women: A History of Birth Control Politics in America by Linda Gordon
Part 1; Chapter 1 – The Prehistory of Birth Control
Reading: Medical History of Contraception by Norman E. Himes (1936)
What are your thoughts after reading this? Is it fair? Is it bias? What has changed since this was written?
Birth Control Politics in the United States, 1916-1945 by Carole R. McCann
A more in depth look into older birth control politics.
Read from this book:
- Introduction
- Chapter 3: Birth Control and the Medical Profession
http://time.com/3692001/birth-control-history-djerassi/
The above article is about the “father” of birth control. He created the key ingredient used in oral contraceptives. This gives a brief history of birth control.
Week 3: Social History of Birth Control
What was the general feelings surrounding the invention of “modern” birth control? What were some struggles women faced who used birth control? Were they viewed differently? How would society be different without modern birth control?
Reading: America and The Pill by Elaine Tyler May
(I am not sure which chapters yet, but the beginning of the book covers this topic extensively.)
Reading: The Best Intentions: Unintended Pregnancy and the Well-Being of Children and Families
Chapter 7: Socioeconomic and Cultural Influences on Contraceptive Use: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232120/
This chapter covers a huge spectrum of influences on contraceptive use including race, social class,
Week 4: Political History of Birth Control
Reading: The Moral Property of Women: A History of Birth Control Politics in America by Linda Gordon
Read the Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) case brief:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_griswold.html
Read up on the case; Class discussion about case. What did you learn? What were the arguments for Griswold, what were the arguments for the state? What were some social implications of this case?
