[Demonstration of harmlessness of hormonal contraceptives for subsequent pregnancies]

A possible negative influence of anticonceptional steroids on various stages of reproduction is discussed. Theoretically an action of antifertility drugs on mutagenesis, the segmentation period, embryogenesis, foetogenesis or somatic and sexual development behaviour is conceivable. In accordance with the results reported by other authors, our own statistical data yield no increase in the frequency of infants with congenital malformations or with chromosomal anomalies. Nevertheless, careful prospective studies should be undertaken.