Main content

How risky is the contraceptive pill?

We look at the numbers behind the scary headlines about birth control.

Many of the potential side effects of the pill, such as blood clots, have been well documented since its release in the 1960s. And now, a study has claimed to have established a link between depression and the pill. But perhaps the main risk women face is poorly interpreted statistics.

Presenter: Tim Harford and Elizabeth Cassin
Producer: Charlotte McDonald and Elizabeth Cassin

Image: Contraceptive Pills. Copyright: Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Dec 201607:50GMT
BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East & East and Southern Africa only

More episodes

Previous

How not to test public opinion

Next

Yellow cards for Christmas

See all episodes from More or Less

Broadcasts

  • Fri 9 Dec 201619:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Fri 9 Dec 201620:50GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, Online, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview only
  • Fri 9 Dec 201621:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 12 Dec 201602:50GMT
    BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
  • Mon 12 Dec 201603:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview only
  • Mon 12 Dec 201604:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 12 Dec 201605:50GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Mon 12 Dec 201607:50GMT
    BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East & East and Southern Africa only

Download this programme

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.