controlling the narrativ
the evolution
of birth control in teenage users
N
ewspapers are arguably one of the most effective tools to chronologically place important events in our community’s and nation’s history. They reflect more than simple facts and data; emotional sources, compelling anecdotes and driven writers give us better insight into the past. The Black & White’s archives, which stretch to the beginning of our publication in 1962, have given our writers an opportunity to understand Whitman’s culture 20, 40 and even 50 years ago. A 1975 Black & White article titled “The Pill: Clinics offer varied services” provides an exceptional look into our community’s culture surrounding birth control almost 50 years ago. The story, which chronicled one writer’s experience going to a family planning center to investigate the process of acquiring birth control, highlighted the taboo culture around female contraceptives. Going through the archives a few weeks ago, the article started a dialogue among our editors of how the culture and stigma around female birth control has evolved, and we decided to write an article addressing this evolution. The article below is the original 1975 story, run alongside a current article from one of our writers. Hopefully, this side by side comparison broadens your mind to new perspectives, as it did ours.
The Pill: Clinics offer varied services by jill johnson
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Glancing furtively in several directions, I opened the door of the Montgomery County Health Center on Cordell Avenue and stepped inside. A very pregnant receptionist smiled my way and asked if she could help. I cautiously mumbled something about contraception and, carefully considering her
present condition, wondered whether their methods were unreliable. Having been told that the nurse would speak to me shortly, I sat down and thumbed through a magazine which was four years old. It contained a large spread of maternity patterns which I gingerly bypassed. “The nurse will see you now,” called the receptionist, and she trundled off down a corridor. I was ushered into a hygienic-looking little room complete with white enamel sink and towel dispenser. Without pausing for a breath, the nurse jumped right in. “Are you pregnant?” she inquired. Seeing my surprise, she added, “So many girls wait to come to us until they are.” She then hurriedly proceeded to question me about an interminable series of diseases, none of which I had had, and all of which sounded horrendous. And then came the killer question… “Have you ever had ‘relations?’” What a delicately phrased interrogative! However, I decided at this point that I’d better give up the game, especially since she was about to schedule me for some tests. As politely as possible, I told her that, after all, I was only writing a story on contraception and was attempting to gain “first-hand knowledge.” The nurse looked very flustered and ran off to get some supervisor. I contemplated making a quick exit, but they were both back before I could, looking rather stern. What exactly was I doing? Publicity was the last thing they wanted, I was told. Parents would complain, they explained, eyeing me as somehow radical and subversive. Nevertheless, the clinic at 4848 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, is a public facility supported by county taxes. A state law passed in 1971 clearly stated that a minor can obtain birth control without parental consent and
that the records kept for medical purposes will remain strictly confidential. The county clinics differ from “free” clinics in that they are staffed by three fulltime doctors paid by the county. Free clinics are staffed by volunteer doctors. Both provide services free of charge, although free clinics depend on donations from those who can afford to pay. Montgomery County supports nine family-planning clinics. They are located in each of the six county health centers, two on the campuses of Montgomery College and one at 12701 Twinbrook Parkway. One must have an appointment to visit any clinic since certain days are set aside to take care of family planning. Appointments can be made at the Bethesda clinic, which is operated for this area, by calling 654-5525 or through the school nurse. Last year these clinics received 2,700 visits from individuals needing contraception. Of these, one health department worker estimated that 65% obtained the pill, while about 20% were given IUD, and the rest chose other methods (diaphragm or foam.) Anyone seeking birth control is given a complete physical examination. A detailed medical file is also kept in confidence with the understanding that the individual agrees to take responsibility for keeping clinic appointments since regular check-ups are necessary. In addition to birth control, each family planning clinic also provides the following services: screening for venereal disease and cancer, pregnancy tests, and counseling and abortion referral. Although leery of publicity, the staff of the Bethesda clinic was genuinely concerned and helpful. They were prepared to discuss the pros and cons of each method of birth control.
