This encyclopedia brings together in more than 200 entries, arranged in A-to-Z format, a portrait of the complex modern issue that birth control has become with advances in medicine and biochemistry during the 20th century. It is aimed at both the student and the consumer of birth control. Entries cover the following topics: birth control advocates and inventors, cases and legal issues, contraceptive methods, countries and regions, issues and controversies, medical issues, organizations, religion and birth control, reproductive systems and processes, research and development, and special populations. Nearly all entries conclude with "Further reading" listings, which guide readers to selected books, journal articles, Web sites, and other research materials on each topic. Cross-references in each entry point to further discussion of the topic elsewhere in the encyclopedia. Contains illustrations, photographs, charts, list of topics, bibliography, and subject index. (BT)