English and French Women Doctors in International Debates on birth control (1920-1935)

摘要

This paper focuses on the roles played by English and French women doctors in international debates about birth control (1920-1935). It highlights the concrete impact of different national policies relating to family and reproductive health on women doctors' stances on birth control. It shows the significant role of English medical women in the practical aspects of birth control and the reluctance of French female doctors to engage with issues revolving around reproduction. It argues that English women doctors were among the leaders in the process of medicalisation of birth control at international conferences due to their practical experience and expertise in birth control acquired at the national level.