Conception Control and Its Effects on the Individual and the Nation

"Conception Control and Its Effects on the Individual and the Nation" by Florence Elizabeth Barrett is a publication that examines birth control in the context of individual well-being and national strength in the early 1920s. Barrett, a surgeon specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, offers a detailed look at the consequences of managing family size and its impact on society. The book explores the ethics involved in family planning, where couples make personal decisions with guidance from doctors. It reviews the history of birth control, is critical of promoting contraceptives widely, and points out possible negative side effects, like a weaker nation and changes in family relationships if contraception is used carelessly. Barrett believes that many things affect fertility, including living conditions and family history, not just health care. She suggests that improving life for mothers and families is better than just pushing contraception. The book stresses the need to approach family planning carefully and ethically, instead of just trying to avoid the immediate challenges of having children.