Hormonally Active Contraceptives, Part II: Sociological, Environmental, and Economic Impact.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Economics

Background:

• Hormonally active contraceptives are widely used for birth control.
• Potential adverse effects on women's health, society, and the environment are a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sociological, environmental, and economic impacts of hormonally active contraceptives.
• To inform the public about risks and alternative nonhormonal methods.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature surveys were conducted.
• Epidemiologic data and published cost estimates were used to assess economic impact.

Main Results:

• Sociological effects include increased abortion rates, exploitation of women, weakened marriages, higher divorce rates, and negative impacts on children (poverty, poor health, lower educational achievement, increased risks of suicide, substance abuse, criminality, and incarceration).
• Environmental impacts include feminization and trans-gendering of male fish, leading to declining fish populations.
• Economic impacts were estimated based on the costs associated with these side effects.

Conclusions:

• Hormonally active contraceptives have deleterious effects on women's health, the economy, and the environment.
• Nonhormonal methods, such as Fertility Awareness Methods, offer a way to avoid these risks.
• Public awareness regarding these risks and the availability of hormone-free alternatives needs improvement.