Exploring "Abortion in Illegality": A Deep Dive into Reproductive Rights and Medical History at the Museum of Contraception and Abortion

This display explores the dangerous measures women have resorted to for abortions in regions where the procedure is illegal or inaccessible. It highlights the historical context and the risks involved, showcasing collected objects that represent desperate attempts to terminate unwanted pregnancies.

The display 'Abortion in Illegality' confronts the harsh realities faced by individuals in countries where abortion is prohibited or restricted. It details the drastic and often dangerous measures women have had to undertake to stop unwanted pregnancies, underscoring the critical need for safe contraception and legal access. The content references historical periods where abortion was largely illegal across Europe and continues to be so in some regions. The museum showcases frighteningly rudimentary objects, such as a wooden splint used in Uganda in a dangerous attempt to induce a miscarriage, illustrating the severe health risks, including uterine inflammation, that can follow such procedures. Many women do not survive these attempts. The display also contextualizes this issue within the broader history of reproductive rights and access to contraception, inviting reflection on past practices and their ongoing relevance in parts of the world. The text includes a literary excerpt from Doris Lessing's 'In pursuit of the English' (1960), which vividly portrays a woman's desperate attempt to induce an abortion by falling down stairs, further emphasizing the extreme measures people have taken due to lack of safe options. This thematic display serves as a historical and social commentary, drawing from the museum's collection of objects and related historical information.

Visitor information regarding opening hours and tickets can be found via the 'Opening Hours and Tickets' link. The page does not provide specific ticketing details for this display itself, implying it is part of general museum admission.