Mortality is the greatest concern in assessing risks of modern reversible contraception. The problems identified with older oral contraceptives (OCs) have decreased with the lower doses in current OCs. These problems include cardiovascular and thrombotic effects changes in lipid metabolism breast cancer liver cancer increased risk of chlamydia cervicitis no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV and interferes with breast feeding. On the other hand OCs protect against anemia menstrual disorders ectopic pregnancy acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ovarian and endometrial cancer. Since the contraceptive implant Norplant has no estrogens it does not have the cardiovascular risks associated with OCs. Possible risks from Norplant use include changes in carbohydrate liver and lipid metabolism but they tend to be clinically insignificant and no protection against STDs/HIV. Menstruation disorders are the major side effect. Apparent benefits of Norplant are protection against anemia and ectopic pregnancy and no effect on lactation. The injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera causes menstrual changes may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer may decrease bone density and does not protect against STDs/HIV. It protects against endometrial cancer. It has no effect on metabolism. Risks associated with the IUD include PID perforation anemia increased menstrual bleeding and pregnancy. IUDs do not affect the quantity of composition of breast milk. They are best suited for women in a mutually monogamous long-term relationship. Barrier methods provide some degree of protection against STDs/HIV and PID. Condoms provide the most protection. They do not affect lactation. Their major complications are contraceptive failure and risks associated with pregnancy. For all women especially those in high risk categories one must balance the risks of modern contraceptive use with the risks of childbearing and with their benefits.