Information card, 'Schering'

This object was part of Dame Margaret Sparrow's extensive contraceptive collection, dating from the 1960s to 2000s. The collection is closely connected to contraceptive history in New Zealand and to Dame Margaret's significant family planning career. It includes examples of barrier methods (e.g. diaphragms and condoms), safe sex packs, spermicides, lubricants, fertility awareness products (e.g. pregnancy tests), oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and Dame Margaret's teaching tools.

These objects can be considered part of 'hidden history', particularly women's history. Such objects rarely survive, but have a huge impact on society, fertility, sexuality, and gender relations.