Green Family Planning

The liberation of women in the 1960s was, in large measure, attributed to the sexual freedoms afforded by reliable contraception. However, there may have been an unforeseen price to pay for the reliance of the masses on new methods of contraception. Susan Hegedus reports. Concern about our environment is something that never seems to be too far from our hearts. We avoid buying aerosols, embrace recycling, and purchase organic products. Many are even becoming environmentally-conscientious travellers, preferring to choose eco nature holidays. Yet one issue that deserves our focus is left hanging in the balance. In the UK approximately 3.5 million women take the contraceptive pill despite its adverse effects on the environment. In 2004, the Environment Agency conducted a national survey of 42 rivers and found that a third of male fish were growing female reproductive tissues and organs. It is believed that female hormones in sewage, such as oestrogen from the contraceptive pill (which remain active for up to a month), are to blame. Furthermore Government research has confirmed that it is possible that male fertility may have dropped because of hormones from the contraceptive pill in drinking water.

Family Planning Association: www.fpa.org.uk or call 020 7608 5240

Helpline: 0845 122 8690 for names of teachers in the UK

London Fertility Care Centre: www.fertilitycarecentre.co.uk or info@fertilitycarecentre.co.uk or call 020 7437 0892.

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