In 1960 the 1st contraceptive pill utilizing estrogen and progesterone was marketed. Since then 150 million women the world over have used the pill. However the benefits must be weighed against definite risks. A summary is given here of 2 American studies and 1 conducted in Britain on the subject. To date there is no evidence connecting the use of the pill to cancer. The major serious complication associated with the pill is thromboembolic disease of the heart lung and brain; the risk of thrombosis is 5.7 times greater with a pill user. Large scale testing on the pill does not show any association of the pill with the liver and gallbladder though nor can it be particularly associated with hypertension. There is a relationship between metabolic changes such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the pill and between fetal abnormalities and the pill. Moreover there may be an increase in urinary tract infections depression and possibly epilepsy with pill users. Minor side effects can occur with changes in the skin and hair an increased tenderness of the breasts a decline in lactation changes in endocrine glands libido changes gastrointestinal changes headaches vaginal infections menstrual irregularities changes in fibroids the appearance of varicose veins and even the possibility of chicken pox. The minipill is associated with a higher frequency of side effects. The morning-after pill can cause danger to an already pregnant woman. The FDA considers 6 contraindications to the use of the pill: thrombophlebitis impaired liver function carcinoma of the breast estrogen-dependent neoplasia abnormal genital bleeding and pregnancy. Another point about the pill brought out in the report that it must be matched to the patient. The report concludes that the pill should be made available to women that benefits do outweigh the risks and that patient education is crucial.