The Swedish anti contraceptive law 1910-1938, showing how the pro contraceptive discourse advocate change

Problem/Background: Sweden was organised against contraceptives through the contraceptive law between 1910 to 1938, causing many women to perform unsafe abortions. Towards the end of the period Sweden became more accepting of contraceptives. Purpose: To further investigate the specific law “lex hinke” and the discourse or discourses that could indicate change towards a more contraceptive friendly society. Methods: Critical discourse analysis was used. Two texts were chosen as samples to perform the critical discourse analysis on, Hinke Bergegren’s “Love without children” from 1910, and Elise Ottesen-Jensen’s “Unwanted children” from 1926. Results: Two competing discourses were found in the samples, the pro contraceptive discourse and the anti contraceptive discourse. Both samples belong to the former one, and show the anti contraceptive discourse as an opposing viewpoint. Conclusion: This thesis points towards a multiplicity of factors when it comes to changing a contraceptive hostile society into a contraceptive friendly one. For example it is not enough to make contraceptives accessible, they also have to be culturally accepted. The correct uses of contraceptives are dependent on that women are appreciated and have a “decent” status in the society. It is important that not only men but also women are allowed to talk about sex and, that they are allowed to seek knowledge and get proper sexual education