Main content

Legalising contraception in Ireland

Contraception wasn't easily accessible in Ireland until 1985. Activists spent years fighting for the right to control their fertility but faced opposition from the Catholic church

Contraception wasn't easily accessible in Ireland until 1985. Activists spent years fighting for the right to control their fertility but faced opposition from the Roman Catholic church which traditionally played a central role in Irish society. Paul Moss has been hearing from Betty Purcell who was a teenager when she first started campaigning.

Photo: a woman holding up a condom and some contraceptive pills. Credit: Getty Images.

Available now

9 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tue 11 May 202107:50GMT
  • Tue 11 May 202111:50GMT
  • Tue 11 May 202117:50GMT
  • Wed 12 May 202102:50GMT

Podcast