The Changing Pattern of Human Reproduction in Scotland, 1928–72

Abstract

Fifty years ago, in the early 1920s, Marie Stopes published her books on childbearing, contraception and sex, and immediately became famous. Indeed recently when an American jury was asked to select the 25 most influential books published in the previous 50 years, Marie Stopes was one of a list of twelve authors which included Marx, Lenin, Freud, Einstein, William James and Hitler.I was fortunate to read her books when I began my career as a practising obstetrician in Glasgow in 1928 and I propose to discuss the changes in human reproduction which have occurred in the last 50 years under the headings of three of Marie Stopes' best known books: (1) Radiant Motherhood, (2) Planned Parenthood and (3) Married Love.