Abstract
This Independent Study examines the life of Ann Lohman, an English immigrant who offered contraceptive services, including abortion, in nineteenth century New York City. Lohman was often denounced within nineteenth century society based on public values of morality, virtue, vice, and expectations of womanhood. She was attacked by medical professionals and moral reformers who sought to stop her, as well as other practitioners of abortion, from offering contraceptive services. Most historians have only viewed her as her notorious public alias, Madame Restell, which attaches a negative connotation to her career. This study looks at Lohman’s advertisements in newspapers like The Herald and The Sun, court cases against her business, and the overall environment in Victorian society in attempt to reclaim and reposition her as a female health advocate. I argue that Lohman made important contributions to the growing public discussion on female sexuality and reproduction through her defiance of societal standards. Lohman’s work in the nineteenth century, then, likely initiated future endeavors regarding women’s reproductive health rights.
Advisor
Baumgartner, Kabria
Department
History
Recommended Citation
Pulice, Karli, "Contraceptive Controversy in Nineteenth Century New York City: An Examination of Ann Lohman's Contentious Impact on Women's Reproductive Health" (2016). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7094.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7094
Disciplines
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine | United States History | Women's History
Publication Date
2016
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2016 Karli Pulice