A Conversation with Mary Eberstadt

On May 18, Mary Eberstadt began the conversation by articulating that despite advancements of post-1960s feminism and widespread access to contraception, Western women are decidedly less happy. She and AEI’s Robert Doar discussed how secular faith, the lack of church leadership, and education have contributed to this problem. She invited her audience to rethink the consequences of sexual liberation, showing how contraception is supposed to lead to happiness, freedom, fewer abortions, and stronger marriages. In reality, she argued, it has led to the opposite.

According to Ms. Eberstadt, identity politics has arisen as people have lost the identity formation once provided by Western Christianity and family. She spoke of hopeful signs of the future, including…