Imagine living in a time when discussing sex was taboo, and reliable information was a luxury few could afford. For much of the 20th century, young working-class women in England navigated the complexities of sexuality and reproduction with little to no formal education or support. Their stories reveal a world where sex education was virtually nonexistent, and the consequences of unplanned pregnancies were often dire.
A Hidden Struggle: Abortion in 20th Century England
In 1941, nestled down a narrow street in Rochdale, there was a small, dimly lit shop that became a lifeline for many women facing unexpected pregnancies. The proprietor, a striking woman in her sixties known as Mrs. Pleasant, was more than just a herbalist. She specialized in selling abortifacients—products designed to terminate pregnancies. Jane Walsh, a working-class woman from Lancashire, found herself in this very shop after discovering she was pregnant for the third time. With two children already, Jane couldn’t afford another addition to her family. Mrs. Pleasant provided her with capsules and medicine, instructing her on their use. However, Jane’s story, as detailed in her autobiography Not Like This (1953), ended with the medicine proving ineffective, a reality that was all too common.
Abortifacients were not new; women had used herbal concoctions for centuries to induce miscarriages. By the 19th century, advertisements for such products were commonplace in newspapers, often disguised as remedies for various female ailments. Despite their widespread use, these products were illegal. English legislation had long criminalized abortion, with severe penalties that evolved from the death penalty to life imprisonment over the years. It wasn’t until 1967 that abortion was decriminalized in England, and even then, only under specific conditions.
The Harsh Realities of Abortifacients
Mrs. Pleasant’s shop was just one of many places where women sought help to end unwanted pregnancies. The lack of safe, legal options forced women to turn to dangerous and often ineffective methods. Jane Walsh’s experience was not unique; many working-class women faced similar struggles. The abortifacients sold by Mrs. Pleasant were often life-threatening, yet they remained one of the few options available to desperate women.
Old Wives’ Tales and Dangerous DIY Abortions
The desperation to terminate unwanted pregnancies led women to explore a variety of dangerous methods, many based on old wives’ tales and misinformation. From excessive gin consumption and mustard baths to the use of metal instruments like knitting needles, the methods were as varied as they were perilous. Elizabeth Ring, in her autobiography, recounted the tragic death of a young neighbor who attempted to induce a miscarriage using a soapy mixture. These stories highlight the extreme lengths to which women went to control their fertility, often with fatal consequences.
The Push for Birth Control and Changing Attitudes
Amidst these struggles, there was a slow but growing movement towards birth control and sexual education. Radical social reformers and advocates like Marie Stopes began publishing works to educate women on contraception and open up discussions about sex. Stopes’ Married Love (1918) and Wise Parenthood (1919) were pioneering texts that sought to demystify sex and provide practical guidance on birth control. By 1921, she had opened the first birth control clinic, and by 1930, even local authorities were permitted to distribute information through welfare centers.
Despite these efforts, comprehensive sex education remained elusive, especially for single working-class women. The stigma surrounding contraception and the taboo nature of discussing sex meant that many women continued to rely on unreliable methods or turned to illegal avenues like Mrs. Pleasant’s shop.
Learning the Hard Way: Lack of Sex Education
The absence of formal sex education had profound impacts on women’s lives. Many learned about sex and reproduction the hard way—through peers, friends, or even traumatic experiences. Vera Alsop, in her autobiography The Woman’s Part (1979), described sex as a “forbidden topic,” leading to fear and confusion. Edith Evans, in her life history Rough Diamonds (1982), shared how learning about sex from a classmate at the age of 12 instilled a lifelong fear of the opposite sex, affecting her relationships and self-esteem.
Edna Bold’s recollections in The Long and Short of it (1978) paint a similarly bleak picture. Ignorant about procreation and childbirth, Bold described the revelation of sex as a “torrent of obscenity,” a moment that left her feeling revulsed and determined never to have children. These personal accounts underscore the emotional and psychological toll of inadequate sex education.
Contraception Methods Among Working-Class Women
In the face of limited options, women employed various contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The withdrawal method, or coitus interruptus, was commonly used because it was free and required no special equipment. Elizabeth Ring noted that many women in the 1930s adhered to the dictum “Always keep it covered,” reflecting the limited yet essential knowledge about contraception.
Other methods included spermicides, douches, barrier methods, and condoms, which had evolved from basic bladder barriers to more sophisticated latex devices by the 1920s and 1930s. Despite their availability, these methods were often unreliable and expensive. The stigma surrounding contraception, particularly for unmarried women, further hindered their use and accessibility.
Dorothy Scannell’s experience, detailed in Dolly’s War (1975), illustrates the social challenges of obtaining contraception. Embarrassed by the gender dynamics and the lack of privacy in clinics, Scannell felt uncomfortable purchasing condoms, highlighting the societal barriers that women faced when seeking birth control.
The Road to Sexual Liberation
The first half of the 20th century was far from a time of sexual liberation for women. Access to reliable contraception, open discussions about sex, and the normalization of sexual relationships both inside and outside of marriage were still in their infancy. It wasn’t until the late 1960s and 1970s that significant shifts occurred. The introduction of the birth control pill to the NHS in 1961, initially only available to married women, eventually became universally accessible by 1967. This change marked a pivotal moment in women’s sexual autonomy.
Elizabeth Ring encapsulates this transformation in her reflection from 1975: “Girls today are lucky with the Pill or a husband who’s had a vasectomy. They can do it as nature intended right from the start.” Her words highlight the newfound freedom and control women gained over their reproductive lives, a stark contrast to the struggles faced by previous generations.
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Reflecting on the Past to Understand the Present
Looking back, the stories of women like Jane Walsh, Elizabeth Ring, and Edna Bold offer invaluable insights into the challenges faced by working-class women in England regarding sex and reproduction. Their experiences reveal a society where sex education was virtually non-existent, and the consequences of this gap were often life-altering and tragic.
Social historians like John Burnett, David Vincent, and David Mayall have emphasized the importance of these autobiographical accounts in understanding working-class life. Their efforts to compile and preserve these stories have shed light on the everyday lives of women who fought battles of their own, often silently and without recognition.
Moving Forward: The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education
The history of sex before comprehensive sex education serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing accurate information and support to individuals regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Ensuring that everyone has access to reliable sex education can prevent the kinds of desperate measures and tragic outcomes experienced by women in the past.
Today, as we continue to advocate for comprehensive sex education, it’s essential to remember the struggles of those who came before us. Their stories highlight the critical need for accessible, stigma-free information that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.
Conclusion
The journey of working-class women in 20th century England through the maze of sex, reproduction, and contraception is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Their stories, marked by fear, desperation, and ultimately, triumph through the gradual societal changes, underscore the vital role that sex education plays in empowering individuals and fostering healthier communities.
As we reflect on this history, let’s honor their struggles by continuing to support and improve sex education today, ensuring that no one has to navigate these critical aspects of life without the knowledge and support they deserve.
