Abstract

ESTRADA URROZ, Rosalina. Public or private? The Control of Venereal Diseases from the Porfiriato to the Revolution. Estud. hist. mod. contemp. Mex [online]. 2007, n.33, pp.33-56. ISSN 0185-2620.

The period of the Porfiriato and the Revolution saw the establishment of a series of measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, specifically venereal diseases. The so-called "risk sector" comprising women that engage in prostitution suffered the most severe coercive measures, since these women were unable to conceal any of their ailments. At that time, medical secrecy was regarded as a doctor's obligation. When "public women" were involved, however, this was considered as being of secondary importance. Private practice required its observance, whereas in the control of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases, it was a secret over which prostitutes had no control.

Keywords : public health; prostitution; venereal diseases; Porfiriato; Mexican Revolution; hygiene and health regulations.

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