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

Last on

Wed 12 May 2021 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 11 May 2021 07:50GMT
  • Tue 11 May 2021 11:50GMT
  • Tue 11 May 2021 17:50GMT
  • Wed 12 May 2021 02:50GMT

Podcast