Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/216

many of the rumours put into circulation by the opponents of contraception. On this subject pre-eminently, no scientific inquiry into the relevant details, nor even a clear statement of the facts, are given about cases which are quoted and re-quoted as "bogies" but not critically inquired into.

For cases such as the above, the first step to be taken is to put right whatever is wrong, and operate if necessary, after that contraceptive measures may be considered: the likeliest then to succeed are the sponge (p. 132), the Dutch Cap (p. 160), or the feminine sheath (p. 169). Of course, where the woman is left in such a state that she cannot use any method herself, the husband must wear the sheath, however unsatisfactory, or one of the pair must be sterilized.

The existence of such cases of local physical abnormality, which may occur in women who in all other respects appear normal, and who may think themselves in good health, affords the best justification for my demand for Clinics or properly trained midwives attached to antenatal and welfare centres, because ignorant women are often not able to determine whether or not they are normal. If the above abnormalities are present and unsuspected, and the woman uses the occlusive cap she may