People & Events: The Puerto Rico Pill Trials

Another little known bit of history, the birth control pill was first tested in Puerto Rico.

The pill given to women of all ages in PR was 25 times stronger than it is today, many women became ill due to the adverse effects of the experimental drug. At least 3 of the women died.

To find out more read:

Choice and Coercion: Birth Control, Sterilization, and Abortion in Public Health and Welfare (Gender and American Culture) Johanna Schoen

Women of Color and the Reproductive Rights Movement by Jennifer Nelson

Or go here to find about the film, The Pill:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pill/peopleevents/e_puertorico.html

They have a great timeline here about the pill’s controversial history:
(Genesis-1950 1951-1990 )
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pill/timeline/index.html

Don’t forget to go out and vote!!!

Siempre Palante, mi gente!

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