Canadian History of Contraception

We often hear the terms birth control and family planning which indirectly have the same meaning; these are methods of deliberately preventing pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. As we have come learn there are many forms of birth control available on the market. In this blog we are going to highlight some of the key moments in history that have paved the way to where we are today when it comes to methods of Contraception in Canada.

From an article issued by the Canadian Public Health Association:

“In 1892, a federal law was passed into the Criminal Code making it illegal to sell or advertise birth control in Canada, even though many women at the time were risking their physical and mental health because of almost annual pregnancies:

“Everyone is guilty of an indictable offense and liable to two years imprisonment who knowingly, without lawful excuse of justification, offers to sell, advertises, publishes an advertisement of or has for sale or disposal of any medicine, drug or article intended or represented as a means of preventing conception.” (Section 179 of the 1892 Canadian Criminal Code)”
It was not until 1932 in Hamilton, Ontario that Elizabeth Bagshaw, one of Canada’s first female physicians, established Canada’s first birth control clinic, defying the law and popular opinion. In 1935, birth control activist Alvin Ratz Kaufman founded Parents’ Information Bureau, where he created a platform to provide the public with birth control information and private nurses.

The societal acceptance of birth control did not receive traction until after WWII. In 1969 the Canadian Medical Association stated:

“Family planning has beneficial effects on the health and well being of family groups; that many Canadians practice family planning in a manner consistent with their personal religious, moral and ethical standards; and that many families of the lower socio-economic group who would benefit most from such planning lack information or the means to obtain this information. It therefore is resolved that CPHA endorse, in accordance with the law, the development and provision of family planning programs for all those who need them.” (CPHA Resolution, 1969)

In 1969, Section 179 of the 1892 Canadian Criminal Code was removed, giving Canadians the legal right to help protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

History of Common Birth Control Methods

Now that we understand the legal ramifications that were faced throughout the years regarding contraception, let us take a look at the history of condoms, birth control pills, and the IUD.

The Condom

The use of male condoms can be dated back to the Ancient Greek times where it was recorded that animal skin sheaths were used as a form of protection. During the Renaissance era this form of protection was used to try to lower infections during the influx of the syphilis pandemic. It was not until the 19th century that we saw condoms resembling something close to what we use today, as it was at that point that rubber became the primary material. In the 20th century they evolved into the latex material that is most used today. The production of condoms has expanded significantly with many different types now available.

The Pill

The birth control pill was initially introduced as a concept in the early part of the 20th century. At first it was created to alleviate side effects of menstrual disorders. According to the Canadian Public health Association:

“By 1960, the birth control pill was available in Canada, although doctors could only prescribe it for therapeutic and not for birth control reasons. A year later, Harold Fine, a pharmacist, was charged, convicted and fined for selling condoms in his drug store. His conviction spurred Barbara and George Cadbury and a group of church leaders and prominent doctors to set up the first chapter of Planned Parenthood Association.”

Since the origin of the birth control pill, countless studies have been done, and many different iterations of the pill exist on the market, tailored specifically to be prescribed to those with individual health needs.

The IUD

Being one of the most controversial methods of contraception on this list, over the years the IUD has had the biggest struggles in building a confident reputation for itself. Before the IUD, similar devices cause a significant amount of pelvic inflammatory diseases. The IUD’s that are available today no longer cause issues and are a common option that individuals use as a form of contraceptives. With the amount of research and innovation that went into perfecting this device it paved way for the commonly used “T” shaped IUD.

Changing Social Values

As with all aspects of health and science, there is always some resistance to new options. This is very evident in the legal aspects of Contraception. The social changes that have occurred over the years allow for more open conversations around contraception; ones that allow individuals to be in control of how they want to stay healthy in all aspects of their being. The Canadian history of contraception can be linked to the historical changes in society that happened in tandem.