Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our reports dated
November 10, 1995, except as to Notes 18 and 19 the date of which is November
21, 1995, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, Inc., in the Registration Statement Pre-effective 
Amendment No. 1 to (Form S-1; No. 333-3922) and related Prospectus of The Female
Health Company (formerly known as Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, Inc.) for the
registration of 1,790,580 shares of its common stock.


                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 3, 1996