Overcoming the obstacles of contraception
Pernod, J.
Lyon Medical 236(18): 617-618
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7790 PMID: 1027946 Document Number: 97823
The chief obstacles to birth control in France, 10 years after Neuwirth overcame the resistance of the Parliamentary Assembly, are the medical profession, fertile men and women, and young people. Many physicians are reticent to prescribe contraception until after an abortion. They dislike tampering with the natural course of demographic growth and with social customs. Women manifest their resistance by forgetting contraceptive pills; men fear the loss of 1 of their principal sources of power: control of women's reproduction. These obstacles are not absolute since contraception, especially in the rural regions of France, has existed for years. People recognize legitimate indications for contraception and wanted planned childbirth. The last obstacle is the youth who act as if they want adult pleasures without responsibilities. Those faced with the task of inculcating mature sexuality in the young deserve respect.