I agree with Emely Amaya's comment on the studies regarding the high number of births among poor people during the Great Depression.  I was sort of wondering and hoping that studies such as those were the reason behind the repeal of prohibitions against the dissemination of information regarding birth control by AMA doctors. --Justin Mattos

I agree with Emely Amaya's comment on the studies regarding the high number of births among poor people during the Great Depression.  I was sort of wondering and hoping that studies such as those were the reason behind the repeal of prohibitions against the dissemination of information regarding birth control by AMA doctors. --Justin Mattos

Isnt it still true today that despite the wide availability and knowledge of birth control, the families that can not afford to have a child still are the ones who end up having the most children?--Landon Davis

'''Isnt it still true today that despite the wide availability and knowledge of birth control, the families that can not afford to have a child still are the ones who end up having the most children?'''--Landon Davis

I have to ask the same question Landon does because wide availability and knowledge of birth control does not necessarily solve the problem.  I'm not suggesting that the Depression did not increase hardships or awareness for birth control.  I think that the problem is more complicated. Perhaps the reasons are embedded in culture, or it may have more to do with the subservient status of women to men.  In many cases the man dictates the use of birth control.  I've read articles that suggest that young women would rather risk pregnancy that lose a boyfriend.  Birth control only works if both partners are willing to use it.--LisaM

I have to ask the same question Landon does because '''wide availability and knowledge of birth control does not necessarily solve the problem.''' I'm not suggesting that the Depression did not increase hardships or awareness for birth control.  I think that the problem is more complicated. Perhaps the reasons are embedded in culture, or it may have more to do with the subservient status of women to men.  In many cases the man dictates the use of birth control.  I've read articles that suggest that young women would rather risk pregnancy that lose a boyfriend.  Birth control only works if both partners are willing to use it.--LisaM

When it takes a depression for people to finally realize that having lots of children is not a good idea it really only effects those that had the money to have children in the first place.  The ones that cant afford to are still going to  have them. The ones that limited children due to the depression were typically middle class families. It is sad, that it continues to be the families that cant afford children that are having such large numbers. -- Kellye Sorber

When it takes a depression for people to finally realize that having lots of children is not a good idea it really only effects those that had the money to have children in the first place.  The ones that cant afford to are still going to  have them. The ones that limited children due to the depression were typically middle class families. It is sad, that it continues to be the families that cant afford children that are having such large numbers. -- Kellye Sorber