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The whole child: A source book
If one views politics as consisting of goveminent action or inaction, then the title of this book is misleading. While the author, one of the scientists who developed the pill, frequently emphasizes his view that many government (namely, FDA) restrictions on research into contraception have dangerously slowed developmerit of new contraceptives and improvements on existing ones, the scope of the book is much broader. It is a "why, when and whether exploration of the critical issues surrounding birth control, not only as it affects the individual but, more broadly, as it affects the world." (p. 3) Hardly a modest claim, but one of the c h a r m s of this b o o k is its intensely opinionated, immodest style. The book begins with a review of contraceptive hardware and its use and impact worldwide. It then turns to Djerassi's favorite topic: the pill. Almost half of the book discusses the chemical development of the pill, its political history, the health risks and benefits of the pill and a prospective timetable for the development of a male contraceptive pill and a " o n c e - a - m o n t h " pill. The b o o k then turns to a general discussion of the future prospects for male and female contraceptives, and Djerassi adds a chapter on birth control in China ("the contraceptive supermarket"), before concluding with a look at strategies for the future. If the organization of the book appears a bit eclectic, the reason is simple: it is. Several of the chapters are revisions of earlier Djerassi writings. Nonetheless the book is clearly worth reading for several reasons. First is Djerassi's spirited defense of the pill. Indeed, the book might easily have been subtitled "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pill." His primary argument is the one that frequently causes the greatest disputes between scientists and consumers: relative health benefits versus the dangers to individual well-being. For example, if
the use of the pill increases the risk of cancer (a point he doesn't concede) in a few women, does this outweigh the benefits of lower fertility to many others? This is a complex philosophical argument and this review can't do justice to its depth but given the frequent airing of arguments against the pill, it is perhaps a useful corrective to read this reminder of its benefits. A second value of this book is its consistent world view. To those who argue for safer alternatives to the pill (e.g., condoms or diaphragms) he notes that while this might be viable in the United States, cultural variations frequently result in the reluctance of those in other (particularly third world) countries to use them. Djerassi is also eminently sensible about the limits of science and government. He concedes his critics' points at times, but then embellishes his arguments, as in his explanation for why chemical contraceptive research has focused more on women than men. He also frequently and correctly reminds the reader of the basic difficulty in contraceptive research. It is an attempt to try to prevent a natural event with a chemical or device that will be used by millions of healthy people (with all the physiological and cultural variety that implies) whose well-being should not be endangered by its perhaps daily use. A final point in its favor is the simple fact that the book is well written. Djerassi writes with a style and wit seldom seen in books dealing with science or government. He states ideas that on the surface sound at times sexist, ethnocentric, and scientifically detached from humanity, but his thinking reflects the philosophical complexity inherent in research on human beings. Given the importance of the topic and the quality of this work, I highly recommend this book. One may well disagree with much of what Djerassi says but they had better be prepared to marshall their arguments as carefully and
Journal of Nurse-Midwifery s Voi. 27, No. 3, May/June 1982
profoundly as he has done in this fascinating work.
The Whole Child: A Source Book. By Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1981. 304 pages. $18.95 hardcover. Reviewed by Ruth Beebe, B.A., M.LS., A.S.P.O. Childbirth Educator. This attractive, large format, black and white photo illustrated sourcebook, by the director of the Institute for Childhood Resources in San Francisco, and author of numerous books for parents and professionals, is as eye-appealing as it is full of information. The information is separated into three sections; Planning and having your baby; Raising your child; and six appendices. There is no index, but a subject-arranged table of contents helps locate information. Despite the table of contents, it is difficult to find specific information, particularly in Part I, where there seems to be no logical sequence, to the topics which include childbirth, pregnancy, emergency birth, labor, and roles. Part II is arranged alphabetically and is somewhat easier to use. The "sources" listed are largely media sources, but also include people and organizations, as well as lengthy quotes from all sources. The quotes are interesting and enjoyable. Samples of quotes are, the "Pregnant Patients Bill of Rights", "Couples Checklist" for hospital birth packing, "Immunization Record", a chart on communicable diseases, quotes from books on dreams, birth, humor, and even games and how to play them. The appendices include: organizations, magazines and parent publications, films, clothing and baby equipment, supplies, toys and children's museums throughout the United States The Whole Child is recommended as a handy reference book for parents.
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the use of the pill increases the risk of cancer (a point he doesn't concede) in a few women, does this outweigh the benefits of lower fertility to many others? This is a complex philosophical argument and this review can't do justice to its depth but given the frequent airing of arguments against the pill, it is perhaps a useful corrective to read this reminder of its benefits. A second value of this book is its consistent world view. To those who argue for safer alternatives to the pill (e.g., condoms or diaphragms) he notes that while this might be viable in the United States, cultural variations frequently result in the reluctance of those in other (particularly third world) countries to use them. Djerassi is also eminently sensible about the limits of science and government. He concedes his critics' points at times, but then embellishes his arguments, as in his explanation for why chemical contraceptive research has focused more on women than men. He also frequently and correctly reminds the reader of the basic difficulty in contraceptive research. It is an attempt to try to prevent a natural event with a chemical or device that will be used by millions of healthy people (with all the physiological and cultural variety that implies) whose well-being should not be endangered by its perhaps daily use. A final point in its favor is the simple fact that the book is well written. Djerassi writes with a style and wit seldom seen in books dealing with science or government. He states ideas that on the surface sound at times sexist, ethnocentric, and scientifically detached from humanity, but his thinking reflects the philosophical complexity inherent in research on human beings. Given the importance of the topic and the quality of this work, I highly recommend this book. One may well disagree with much of what Djerassi says but they had better be prepared to marshall their arguments as carefully and
Journal of Nurse-Midwifery s Voi. 27, No. 3, May/June 1982
profoundly as he has done in this fascinating work.
The Whole Child: A Source Book. By Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1981. 304 pages. $18.95 hardcover. Reviewed by Ruth Beebe, B.A., M.LS., A.S.P.O. Childbirth Educator. This attractive, large format, black and white photo illustrated sourcebook, by the director of the Institute for Childhood Resources in San Francisco, and author of numerous books for parents and professionals, is as eye-appealing as it is full of information. The information is separated into three sections; Planning and having your baby; Raising your child; and six appendices. There is no index, but a subject-arranged table of contents helps locate information. Despite the table of contents, it is difficult to find specific information, particularly in Part I, where there seems to be no logical sequence, to the topics which include childbirth, pregnancy, emergency birth, labor, and roles. Part II is arranged alphabetically and is somewhat easier to use. The "sources" listed are largely media sources, but also include people and organizations, as well as lengthy quotes from all sources. The quotes are interesting and enjoyable. Samples of quotes are, the "Pregnant Patients Bill of Rights", "Couples Checklist" for hospital birth packing, "Immunization Record", a chart on communicable diseases, quotes from books on dreams, birth, humor, and even games and how to play them. The appendices include: organizations, magazines and parent publications, films, clothing and baby equipment, supplies, toys and children's museums throughout the United States The Whole Child is recommended as a handy reference book for parents.
45