Description
Contraception was the subject of intense controversy in twentieth-century Ireland. Banned in 1935 and stigmatised by the Catholic Church, it was the focus of some of the most polarised debates before and after its legalisation in 1979. This is the first comprehensive, dedicated history of contraception in Ireland from the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 to the 1990s. Drawing on the experiences of Irish citizens through a wide range of archival sources and oral history, Laura Kelly provides insights into the lived experiences of those negotiating family planning, alongside the memories of activists who campaigned for and against legalisation. She highlights the influence of the Catholic Church's teachings and legal structures on Irish life showing how, for many, sex and contraception were obscured by shame. Yet, in spite of these constraints, many Irish women and men showed resistance in accessing contraceptive methods. This title is also available as Open Access.
The first history of contraception in twentieth-century Ireland to explore the lived experiences of Irish men and women and activists.
About the Author
Laura Kelly is a Senior Lecturer in the History of Health and Medicine at the University of Strathclyde and Co-Director of the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare (CSHHH).
Reviews
'As reproductive rights emerge with visceral relevance on the international stage, Laura Kelly's intervention with Contraception and Modern Ireland provides a timely reminder that playing politics with people's bodies ends in bedrooms, bathrooms and backstreets of fear. This is a history which finds its rhythm in women's words and those of the first interviewee sum up much of the paradox of Irish society's response to contraception in the twentieth century. 'We were awful innocent', Deirdre, a mother of six recalls, 'We were awful innocent'. Indeed, the awfulness often sat in deadly proximity to that innocence causing, until Kelly's book, untold misery, fear, and anxiety. This impressive book charts the history of the last generation in Ireland to live without access to legal contraception. It explores the implications of that legacy, the shifting ground of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the development and impact of reproductive activism, and, through oral history, accesses for the first time the quiet, private and everyday ways women and men negotiated the realities of 'awful innocence' in the bedroom.' Lindsey Earner-Byrne, University College Cork
'Laura Kelly has masterfully captured the interlocking spaces of religious, political and health expertise, activism and sexual practices that have shaped the circulation of contraception in modern Ireland. This beautifully written and thoroughly researched book is a key contribution to the history of contraception and, through the personal narratives of Irish men and women who advocated for, prescribed, used, desired and rejected birth control, uniquely illuminating.' Agata Ignaciuk, University of Granada
'In this fascinating study of contraception in Ireland between the 1920s and 1990s, Laura Kelly provides us with a nuanced narrative that fully captures the complexities of sexuality in modern Irish society. Her use of oral histories to illuminate the experiences of men and women negotiating family planning and contraception makes for a rich and valuable study of those whose stories would otherwise be lost. This book is sure to become the definitive history of reproductive rights in modern Ireland.' Wendy Kline, Purdue University, Indiana
'Eloquently and thoughtfully written, this book offers a ground-breaking, original and significant contribution to our understanding of contraception in twentieth century Ireland. The mix of archival and oral history methodologies offers a unique perspective on the subject and is an exemplar of how to use oral testimony in an effective and engaging way.' Leanne McCormick, Ulster University
'... this book is full of important testimony about endurance ... absorbing, disturbing, and revealing.' Diarmaid Ferriter
Book Information
ISBN 9781108969772
Author Laura Kelly
Format Paperback
Page Count 350
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 560g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 151mm * 21mm
The first history of contraception in twentieth-century Ireland to explore the lived experiences of Irish men and women and activists.
About the Author
Laura Kelly is a Senior Lecturer in the History of Health and Medicine at the University of Strathclyde and Co-Director of the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare (CSHHH).
Reviews
'As reproductive rights emerge with visceral relevance on the international stage, Laura Kelly's intervention with Contraception and Modern Ireland provides a timely reminder that playing politics with people's bodies ends in bedrooms, bathrooms and backstreets of fear. This is a history which finds its rhythm in women's words and those of the first interviewee sum up much of the paradox of Irish society's response to contraception in the twentieth century. 'We were awful innocent', Deirdre, a mother of six recalls, 'We were awful innocent'. Indeed, the awfulness often sat in deadly proximity to that innocence causing, until Kelly's book, untold misery, fear, and anxiety. This impressive book charts the history of the last generation in Ireland to live without access to legal contraception. It explores the implications of that legacy, the shifting ground of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the development and impact of reproductive activism, and, through oral history, accesses for the first time the quiet, private and everyday ways women and men negotiated the realities of 'awful innocence' in the bedroom.' Lindsey Earner-Byrne, University College Cork
'Laura Kelly has masterfully captured the interlocking spaces of religious, political and health expertise, activism and sexual practices that have shaped the circulation of contraception in modern Ireland. This beautifully written and thoroughly researched book is a key contribution to the history of contraception and, through the personal narratives of Irish men and women who advocated for, prescribed, used, desired and rejected birth control, uniquely illuminating.' Agata Ignaciuk, University of Granada
'In this fascinating study of contraception in Ireland between the 1920s and 1990s, Laura Kelly provides us with a nuanced narrative that fully captures the complexities of sexuality in modern Irish society. Her use of oral histories to illuminate the experiences of men and women negotiating family planning and contraception makes for a rich and valuable study of those whose stories would otherwise be lost. This book is sure to become the definitive history of reproductive rights in modern Ireland.' Wendy Kline, Purdue University, Indiana
'Eloquently and thoughtfully written, this book offers a ground-breaking, original and significant contribution to our understanding of contraception in twentieth century Ireland. The mix of archival and oral history methodologies offers a unique perspective on the subject and is an exemplar of how to use oral testimony in an effective and engaging way.' Leanne McCormick, Ulster University
'... this book is full of important testimony about endurance ... absorbing, disturbing, and revealing.' Diarmaid Ferriter
Book Information
ISBN 9781108969772
Author Laura Kelly
Format Paperback
Page Count 350
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 560g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 151mm * 21mm
