-
The Searle drug company receives FDA approval for Enovid - the first birth control pill. "The Pill" revolutionizes contraception. It's 100% effective -- but has terrible side effects, including life-threatening blood clots. Eventually it's realized that the dose is 10 times too high.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Comstock laws that banned contraception.
-
The modern, low-dose, two- and three-phase birth control pills become available.
-
The FDA approves the first hormone shot to prevent pregnancy for several months at a time -- Depo Provera.
-
The first emergency contraception is approved by the FDA. Women can take Preven pills up to 72 hours after sex to prevent pregnancy.
-
The first continuous birth control pill, which women take every day to suppress their periods and provide birth control, was approved in September. Seasonale schedules four menstrual periods a year. Researchers are working on other pills that would schedule one menstrual period a year.
