As we approach Halloween, images of witches—often portrayed with warts, cackling laughs, and black hats—are everywhere. But beneath the spooky folklore lies a much more meaningful story, one deeply connected to women’s health. For centuries, women who took control of their own bodies and used natural remedies to manage fertility were branded as witches, a reflection of the battle between traditional female care and emerging male-dominated medicine.
At Slipp, where we prioritize health and empowerment, we believe in uncovering these forgotten stories and highlighting how history informs modern-day reproductive care.
Wise Women, Healers, and Protectors of Reproductive Health
Long before medical schools and formalized healthcare, communities relied on “wise women” who passed down knowledge about herbs and natural remedies. These women were the go-to experts for treating ailments, easing childbirth, and yes—helping women control their fertility. Herbs like pennyroyal, tansy, and rue were used to stimulate menstruation or prevent pregnancy, offering women some control over their reproductive choices.
These women acted as early midwives, pharmacists, and nurses. Through their connection with the natural world, they embodied what we now call “self-care.” Much like the Slipp ethos of prioritizing your well-being through safer sex, these women helped others take ownership of their reproductive health.
From Healers to Witches: A Dark Turn in History
Unfortunately, as male authorities in medicine and religion began to assert control, these women were labeled as dangerous witches. The so-called “Witchcraze” of the 14th to 17th centuries saw thousands of women accused of witchcraft, tortured, and executed. Their crime? Often, it was simply using herbal remedies for contraception or helping women through childbirth.
These women weren’t the evil figures of legend—they were skilled healers with deep knowledge about the female body and how to protect it. But male-dominated institutions saw their power as a threat and worked to suppress it. The witch-hunts served to marginalize women’s role in healthcare and consolidate control in the hands of men.
The Legacy Lives On
Even after the Witchcraze faded, women’s access to reproductive health remained under attack. In the 19th century, laws like the Comstock Act banned information on birth control, leaving many women to seek dangerous, unreliable remedies. Companies marketed “female pills” containing the same herbs once used by wise women but with little regulation or safety in mind. These early forms of reproductive care often did more harm than good.
Fast forward to today, and while reproductive health has improved with innovations like birth control and condoms, many women still face challenges in accessing safe, affordable options.
Reclaiming the Power of Choice
As we think about the history of reproductive health, it’s clear that the struggles of the past still influence the present. At Slipp, we’re inspired by the legacy of wise women who fought to give other women control over their bodies. We believe that making choices about your reproductive health should never be out of reach, and that’s why our condoms are designed with your well-being at the forefront.
This Halloween, when you see a witch, remember that she represents more than a spooky figure in folklore. She symbolizes a history of women taking control, protecting themselves, and caring for their communities.