Is Contraception a Medical Responsibility? A Historical Exhibition

This exhibition explores the scientific and societal discussions surrounding contraception, particularly focusing on the research and methods developed by Hermann Knaus. It delves into the medical, ethical, and religious debates of the early to mid-20th century regarding reproductive health.

The exhibition 'Is contraception a medical responsibility?' delves into the complex history of contraceptive methods and the debates they ignited, with a significant focus on the contributions and controversies surrounding physician Hermann Knaus. The content highlights Knaus's initial research into reproductive physiology, which inadvertently led to a method for estimating fertile periods. It details how this discovery, initially a byproduct of his work, eventually spurred practical applications and widespread discussion, particularly after the German Gynecologists' Congress in 1931, which marked a turning point for research and advertising of contraceptives. The page further examines the reception of Knaus's methods, including scientific disagreements, such as those with Günter Karl Friedrich Schultze, and the broader societal and ethical implications. It touches upon the positions of the Catholic Church, as articulated in the encyclical Casti connubii, and the views of various medical professionals and reformers like Magnus Hirschfeld regarding the accessibility and control of contraception. The exhibition also addresses the commercialization of contraceptive calendars and the inherent challenges and limitations of rhythm-based methods due to cycle variability, reflecting the ongoing discourse on whether contraception was primarily a medical or a societal issue.

Visitor information regarding opening hours and tickets can be found on the museum's website.