Horizon Season 1971 Episode 15 What Every Girl Should Know

In the Horizon season 1971 episode 15 titled "What Every Girl Should Know," the show explores the history and politics surrounding contraception access and education for women. With interviews and historical footage, the episode dives into the societal norms and taboos surrounding birth control and sexual health in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The episode begins by outlining the lack of sex education and contraception education available to women in the mid-twentieth century. The show highlights the work of Marie Stopes, a British scientist and women's rights activist who founded the first birth control clinic in Britain. Stopes' work sparked controversy and backlash from conservative and religious groups.

The episode then delves into the political battles over contraception access, including the landmark Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965, which struck down a Connecticut law that criminalized the use of contraceptives. This decision laid the foundation for the legalization of birth control and paved the way for Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that legalized abortion in the United States.

Horizon also explores the role of the Catholic church in contraception access, showcasing the contentious issue of the Vatican's opposition to birth control. The episode features interviews with Catholic priests and members of the laity, as well as a segment on the development of the birth control pill.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the current state of contraception and sexual health education. Horizon details the barriers to access and education for women, highlighting discrepancies in access based on income and location.

Overall, "What Every Girl Should Know" offers a comprehensive overview of the history and politics surrounding contraception access and education for women. Through a variety of interviews and historical footage, the episode sheds light on the progress and challenges faced in the fight for reproductive rights.