1930s

 

A woman's plight in the 1930s depression was described by Family Planning pioneer Mary Dobbie.

"Eight children and no bath, no wash tubs... copper and a tap in an outside yard and women struggling with washing in bitter weather."

1936

When Family Planning, then called the Sex Hygiene and Birth Regulation Society, was established methods of contraception were basic and unreliable, and deaths from illegal abortions were common.

1937

The McMillan Inquiry revealed that at least one pregnancy in five ended in abortion, and that the majority of women dying from illegal abortions were married with four or more children.

Amid an outcry from the authorities and 'polite society', Family Planning began to promote the benefits of birth control.