Support Before the Pill: The Family Planning Association 1945-1955

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Traditionally historians have focused on the advent of the pill and the notion of a sexual revolution in the 1960s. More recently research, such as Claire Langhamer’s work Meanings of Home in Post- War Britain, have examined the importance of the 1950s in terms of developing sexual attitudes. In this talk, Susan Birch builds on that research to examine birth control clinics and the Family Planning Association, a national organisation, during the late 1940s and 1950s. The first birth control clinic opened in London in 1921 through the work of Dr Marie Stopes, including through birth control clinics in caravans. The national organisation was established in 1930 (then called the National Birth Control Council) through the work of Lady Denman and Margery Spring- Rice. The paper will argue that the organisation provided not simply contraceptive support for women but also for married couples and men. This support included infertility assistance and was a major focus of the work of the organisation during the period. Case studies of birth control clinics in Birmingham and Winchester will be evoked in the talk with a view to contrast a big urban environment with one surrounded by a rural setting to address the level of support available during the post-war period.

Susan Birch is a PhD student at the University of Winchester. Her research examines the Family Planning Association after the Second World War in Birmingham and Winchester. As well as exploring support the research addresses the work of women in delivering family planning assistance in these two locations. Prior to her PhD Susan studied for a History degree at the University of Birmingham and a Masters at the University of Worcester.

Chairs: Dr Graciela Iglesias-Rogers (University of Winchester) and Dr Emily Stiles (University of Winchester)

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Otherwise, Individual entry cost is £6 and £3 for concession.

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