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Dangers of the pill lost in current debate

Dangers of the pill lost in current debate

When is it ever right to give a Group 1 carcinogen to a healthy women? We don’t have to take a Group 1 carcinogen to be liberated.” These are the words of Dr. Angela Lanfranchi, breast surgical oncologist and co-founder of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, who shared her expertise on the drug at the “50 Years of the Pill” conference in Washington, D.C.

The medical community has known for years the dangerous side effects of the pill. The International Agency on Research of Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, classified hormonal contraceptives in 2005 as a “Group 1” carcinogen along with asbestos and radium. The pill has been strongly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and cervical and liver cancers. And yet, hormonal contraception continues to be touted as harmless and even healthy.

Outrageous! There is a wealth of statistical data from various sources to support these facts. Just do an Internet search of “dangerous side effects of contraceptives” and find a long list of serious health risks, such as stroke, blood clots, endometriosis, infertility, depression, weight gain, migraines, toxic shock syndrome, even death. Then do a search on current lawsuits filed against contraception manufacturers due to the serious harm done to users.

And how about the fact they contain steroids? It’s not all right for boys to take steroids, but it’s OK for girls?

The current challenge to the HHS mandate is primarily about the First Amendment and religious conscience protections. Lost in the criticism thrown at the Catholic Church is the scientifically proven fact that “birth control” can kill or cause serious health complications. I am thankful that this religious denomination is standing rock solid to protect the health and welfare of both women and children — no matter how unpopular it is.

Arlene Sawicki

South Barrington

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