Just finished “The Birth of the Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched a Revolution” by Jonathan Eig
Summary judgement: a capably-written book, oh so VERY dry and limp, but the subject matter is important as hell and (IMHO) deserving of better.
Just as important to the history of the Pill as the contribution of Sanger, McCormick, Pincus and Rock was, the role of the Catholic Church in opposition to any form of pregnancy prevention whatsoever is crucial to understanding the state of birth control today. Religious objection, back then and now, was and is the ONLY reason birth control is considered in any way controversial, and the only reason this country has any trouble covering what should be standard, freely-available services in its healthcare plans. That, to be completely honest, I find disgusting beyond belief (no pun intended).
No matter how progressive and liberal you think the current Pope is, the Church’s then-and-current position on life-saving, disease-preventing and abortion-reducing contraceptive measures is disgraceful. The fact that the organization has not progressed an inch since the tale told in this book should be a mark of eternal shame.
Anyway, read the book if you get the chance. It’s not great, but it’s a history everyone should know, because it tells you why we still have to fight the battles.
Like a blog, but for humans 