Since ancient times, human kind has been concerned about the separation of sexual lust and reproduction. According to chronicles, Ancient Egyptians used acacia leaves for contraception. Various accounts throughout history prove the use of different contraceptives on the basis of herbs, salts and oils. [1]

Not until the 20th century (1961), a safe and efficient contraceptive was put on the market. The birth control pill for women enabled a new sexual freedom. (Sexual revolution – change of public sex morals in terms of removing sexual taboos). [2]
[SEXUALITY HISTORY]

Due to the emergence of HIV / AIDS in the 1980's, the condom has become the most important contraceptive. [3] [HIV / AIDS]

Nowadays, at the beginning of the 21st century, there is a wide range of different contraceptives we can choose from: barrier and hormonal contraceptives as well as intrauterine devices, or natural birth control. They differ not only in their effects and undesirable side effects, but also in price and complexity as to their application.

This variety of contraceptive methods also raises the question of affordability, especially for young people living on a low-income budget who use rather unsafe methods like coitus interruptus. According to the new Austrian Contraception Report (2012), 50 % of all users would change the method if it was free of charge. [4] [5]

Early this year, the taxes on contraceptives were raised in Austria. It's obvious that costly contraceptives correlate with a higher amount of unwanted pregnancy involving abortions. However, politics apparently show little interest in sensible family policy. [6]