Deconstructing “The Pill”: An Examination of the Neuroendocrine Science, Medical Practices, and Bioethics Surrounding Oral Hormonal Contraception

Abstract

This thesis uses an interdisciplinary approach to develop a novel perspective on oral hormonal contraception and the systems in which it is embedded. It is primarily an examination of current research on the neurological and psychological side effects of oral hormonal contraception, as well as an examination of the pharmaceutical and medical practices surrounding contraception. In addition, an original analysis of data on contraceptive methods in the pharmaceutical development pipeline was carried out in the context of the examination of the literature to find trends in the products, methods, and target demographics of the modern contraceptive industry. It was found that there are significantly more products being developed for females than males, and that there is a disproportionate amount of invasive, hormonal methods being developed for females. The results call for the pharmaceutical industry to overcome gender and religious bias in the research and development of new contraceptive products. This will be necessary in order to develop new methods of contraception for both men and women that do not carry the severe and disruptive side effects that are currently seen in contraceptive products, representing a significant step forwards in achieving sustainable reproductive and sexual autonomy.