MOM is an interdisciplinary center with a focus on conception, procreation, and the science of the human body. The panel below is part of our onsite tour in MoM’s Escape Womb Experience where we discuss some of the scientific implications of conception and childbirth as well as some of the most contemporary advances in IVF, bio bags, and trans birth to name a few. We are all part of one BIG HUMAN FAMILY.
We appreciate our individual difference while acknowledging our shared destiny within the cycle of life, which includes pre-conception, birth, and death as well as all our ages and stages in-between. We explore the emotional, physical, experiential, developmental, circumstantial, and even the spiritual aspects of our existence individually and collectively though conversation, education, exhibits, and introspection.
At MoM, we focus on tools that support our collective evolution by increasing understanding and awareness. We shine our light into the all-consuming ubiquitous nature of being made (and unmade). We explore our collective source of agony and euphoria, pain and delight as well as the facts as they present themselves: Women have birthed the world. Our families have (in some way or other) defined us. Our genetic heritage is present even as we struggle to find our voices, articulate our lived-experiences, and harmonize our truths.
Our science mural onsite depicts some of the science and history of pregnancy, birth control and childbirth. Have you ever seen the inside of a hospital room where 98.4% of pregnant people give birth? On our larger than life mural wall there are books, artifacts and teaching tools for people of all ages including young persons about to get their period, frank talk about pregnancy and fetal development. Come visit and find out more! Host a period party at MoM. Safe space for all.
Puberty Guide for Girls
The Library of Congress holds interesting artifacts that cover both and you can read and see more here about the long road to federally approved contraception in the USA [LINK].
Do you know how instrumental birth control has been in the last 100 years? Women’s right to choose has affected women’s work, status, and autonomy. These choices have been made possible by effective birth control methods like the pill, the diaphragm and the IUD to name a few. The invention of the Pill, championed by Margaret Sanger and others changed the course of herstory, family planning and feminism in the 1960s. [Read More].
Photo released to Wikipedia 2006 Bette Davis Eyes
Many human beings spend most of their lives trying to not get pregnant. Yet, good options have not always been available and the Comstock Law yielded tremendous power over individual’s lives. Even married couples were subject to lack of access until the the landmark 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut ruling [LINK]. The ruing pushed back on The Comstock Act determining that the Constitution of the United States protects the liberty of married couples to use contraceptives without government restriction.
The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control that resembles a small latex dome and is most effective when used with spermicide. It was the most popular form of birth control in the 1930s on until the pill was invented. [more history of the diaphragm]
Attribute: Axefan2, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
More about cervical caps [LINK]
At MoM children of all ages are invited to explore sociological theory, historical comparisons, artistic interpretations, and scientific discovery. This is liberation through illumination. Get out your flashlights – we’re going in!
- HUMAN FAMILY HOME – Link
- SCIENCE & Our BODY – LINK: (We are born and develop)
- HERSTORY & Our MIND – LINK: (We grow and establish a story about our families & ourselves)
- ART & Our IDENTITY – LINK: (We all have an ever-evolving reproductive identity in relationship to ourselves and others)
- EXHIBITS & COMMUNITY – LINK: (We connect with others over our commonalities)
About this exhibit: The purpose of this exhibit is to provide online interactive activities that will inspire individuals and connect communities. We assert that humans have more in common with each other than they have differences. By focusing on our connections, we counter narratives that seek to separate and divide us. At MoM our guiding premise is that we all have an origin story linking us to our shared humanity. Every person holds this truth. On the micro level, humans can learn from each other and support each other’s activities once common connections are established. Children experience parents more compassionately and parents experience their offspring similarly. Families are transformed and communities are impacted. MoM supports these connections by nurturing activities within safe space so that new insights might establish roots and permeate the larger community as a whole. Our programs elucidate our commonalities through multiple programs we have successfully launched.
