Contraception and Religion

Related to the issue of abortion was that of sex, and by extension of contraception. Though not as sinful as abortion, contraception was still viewed in very much a negative light. In 1873 the Comstock Laws were passed to restrict obscenity and erotica in the public sphere. Part of the law made it illegal to spread information about contraceptives and abortifacients through the public mailing system. The Comstock Laws were inspired heavily by the ideals of the Second Great Awakening, and the limits on birth control in particular came as backlash against the Public Health Movement’s view on the issue. [1]