§ 17. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the statement on the death certificate of Mrs. Nicole Arnott, aged 24 years, of Queens Road, Swanage, indicating the birth control pill as a possible contributory factor to her death, if he will again draw the attention of the general public to the dangers involved.
§ Mr. Moyle:While it is impossible to determine the oral contraceptive pill's responsibility for any particular death, its association with some increased risk of blood clotting disorders in a minority of cases is now well known. Doctors are aware both of the benefits and of the possible risks of the"pill"which have to be weighed against the risks of unwanted pregnancy. I believe that doctors are in the best position to offer women advice about the method of contraception most suited to their needs in the light of their medical history and particular circumstances.