Documentary on Irish couple who helped legalise contraceptives will air on TG4 next month

The story of a couple who were instrumental in the legalisation of contraceptives in Ireland will air on TG4 next month. 

When May and Séamus McGee approached a solicitor in 1972 to raise concerns about a banned contraceptive, they had no idea that the resulting case would lead to a change in the law, one that has had a profound effect on Irish society. 

Although women could obtain the contraceptive pill through their own GP in 1972, all retail sale of contraceptive products was prohibited. 

May McGee, however, had suffered severe medical complications during her first three pregnancies, and her doctor unequivocally warned that another pregnancy could prove to be fatal.

In response, May attempted to import a spermicidal jelly, but her intended package was seized and the young mother was threatened with jail. 

She and her husband, Séamus, boldly challenged the law and, athough the High Court ruled against them, a year later in 1973 the couple won their case on appeal at the Supreme Court.

Six years later contraception was legalised. 

In this one-hour documentary, May and Séamus share unseen personal archive and deliver intimate and revealing moments, charged with emotion, alongside family members, prominent historians, and human rights activitists. 

Watch the documentary on TG4 on October 4 at 9.30pm.