In retrospect: The birth of contraception

Abstract

English poet Philip Larkin famously declared that “sexual intercourse began in 1963”. It may go back a bit further it seems. Michel Raymond, writing in the 'In Retrospect' column, recalls John Riddle's book Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient World to the Renaissance, published in 1992. In it Riddle debunked the myth that there was no effective contraception before the introduction of oral contraceptives, the Pill, in the 1960s. Riddle shows that ancient contraceptive practices were safe, effective and in common use.