The combined oral contraceptive pill was invented in the 1950s. For the first ten years of its existence, it remained a purchasable method of contraception. This was until the 1960s, when the Ministry of Health then allowed doctors to prescribe the drug if they requested it from the National Health Service. From then on, the pill's popularity increased dramatically, and by the late 1960s more than 15% of married British women were using it. Its rapid popularity was not limited to the United Kingdom as, at the same time, 2% of the world's female population was using the pill as a method of contraception. These numbers continued to rise, and after the 1970s the pill became a dominant method of contraception in Britain (Marks, V, L, 2001). Margaret Sanger, a birth control activist, described the pill as an offering of female liberation, explaining its rapid popularity. Before the pill, contraception was very different, the common methods of avoiding pregnancy were coitus interruptus, abstinence or even abortion. The pill liberated women because it removed the risk factor and concerns about continued reproduction could be forgotten. Women could enjoy sex without exposing themselves to unwanted pregnancies. For the first time, they could plan with confidence and not consider the risks of getting pregnant. Controlling their fertility gave women a sense of relief, freedom and power over their bodies (Marks, V, L, 2001). The pill has become an integrated and normal part of many women's lives and is now used by more than one woman. one hundred million worldwide (Net Doctor 2011). Despite its normality in modern society, it continues to generate much interest and debate. This is the most researched document...... middle of article...... and LondonNet Doctor (2011) Contraception The Contraceptive Pill [online] available: rated: 02/07/2012Paton G ( 2010) Sharp rise in 11 years on the pill in The Telegraph [online] available: rated: 02/10/2012The Christian Institute (2001) Promoting Promiscuity The Morning After Pill [online] available: < http://www. christian.org.uk/wp -content/downloads/promoting-promiscuity-summary.pdf> rated: 02/09/2010Women's views on current events (2010) more teenage girls on the sexualization of teenage girls by the pill contraceptive or safe sex awareness [online] available: < http://www .womensviewsonnews.org/2010/08/more-teenagers-on-contraceptive-pill-sexualisation-of-teenagers-or-awareness-of -safe-sex> rated: 07/02/2010