Birth Control Pill Risks

Recent oral contraceptive use and adverse birth outcomes. Chen XK, Wen SW, Sun LM, Yang Q, Walker MC, Krewski D. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2009 May;144(1):40-3. Epub 2009 Feb 23.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible association between oral contraceptive use and adverse birth outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based cohort study of pregnant women who used oral contraceptives within 3 months before their last menstrual period. Subjects were divided into three groups, according to the interval (0-30, 31-60, and 61-90 days) between the dispensing date and their last menstrual period. For each exposed subject, 4 subjects without exposure to oral contraceptives were individually matched by infant's year of birth and plurality and by mother's age and parity.

RESULTS: Oral contraceptive use within 30 days prior to the last menstrual period was associated with increased risks of very low birth weight (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.92), low birth weight (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.20), and preterm birth (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.55); however, oral contraceptive use 31-90 days prior to the last menstrual period did not increase the risk of low birth weight or preterm birth.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the use of oral contraceptives near the time of conception may be associated with an increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth.

Documentary

Evangelical group releases documentary on the pill as an abortifacient

[1] More information can be found at: www.28daysonthepill.com