Wise Parenthood (15th edition)/Introductory Note

THE rapid progress of the idea of birth regulation is one of the outstanding social phenomena of the time. But it cannot astonish the thoughtful, for the idea appeals almost irresistibly to the common sense and the conscience of civilised beings, and nothing save superstition and ignorance can impair or impede its triumph. Further, everybody knows that the vast majority of its instructed opponents practise in their private lives what they condemn for others. That birth regulation has disadvantages is arguable. Its disadvantages, however, are not those usually emphasised by its opponents. For example, no unprejudiced brain will contend that that which is so manifestly beneficent to the individual can be bad for the race. Nor have children hitherto been such a source of sorrow and disappointment to parents that the parental instinct is likely to be destroyed through the temptations of any device whatever. No! The disadvantages of birth regulation are mainly transient; they spring from an ​imperfect acquaintance with the methods of it; and they will pass. Millions and tens of millions of potential parents need advice about birth regulation. They cry out for sound advice, and they do not get it. They suffer, sometimes horribly, for want of sound advice. This book is a practical manual of birth regulation written by an unchallenged authority for the intimate use of potential parents.