The History of Birth Control and SocietyPeople have been desperate to control the number of children they have and abstinence is not not really an option that adults want to choose. Some ancient forms of birth control include: animal skins and intestines for condoms, lemons as barriers to protect against pregnancy, poison cocktails to induce abortion, and animal feces cocktails as spermicides. When these measures failed, women turned to abortion. (Rengal intro ix) Humanity has been trying to have sex without pregnancy since ancient times. Contraceptive methods have been around for centuries, their types and safety have varied over the years. The women's rights revolution played a vital role in the development of safe methods. Although some people still think birth control is a bad thing, there are many benefits to controlling our population. Each family must make their own choices based on research and education; birth control can be seen as a very positive way to avoid abortion. Education is the key to minimizing abortions and the emotional trauma caused by unwanted pregnancies. I have gained a sincere appreciation for everything modern women take for granted, including the feminist movement, all the trials and errors of our ancient ancestors, and all the dangerous ways women of our past have attempted to prevent a pregnancy. I am grateful that it is easy to decide when and how many children; a woman will have one today.Ancient MethodsHistorical records are not always easy to find, as it is a personal subject and no physical evidence would be left behind. “Our oldest records indicate that the practice of inducing abortions was used throughout the ancient world.” (Salisbury 1) “An ancient Egyptian papyrus dating from 1550 BC recommends inserting ...... middle of paper ...... canceling the pregnancy but other options range from 75% to 99.9 % If a couple were to combine barrier options with hormonal options that would be as close to 100% protection as possible without giving up sexual intercourse Gunstream, Stanley E. Anatomy & Physiology: with integrated study guide New. York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print. Rengel, Marian. Encyclopedia of Birth Control. Phoenix, Arizona: Orxy Press, 2000. Salisbury, Joyce. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC CLIO, 2001. Print. Schrager, Sarina MD, Sarah Hoffmann BS. “Women's Knowledge of Commonly Used Contraceptive Methods.” . “Making room for rubbers: gender, technology and birth control before the pill. History and technology. 18.1 (2002): 51. Historical Reference Center. Internet. November 8 2009.