IPPF Medical Committee statement.
At the end of its 2-day meeting in London in December 1968, the IPPF Central Medical Committee issued the following press statement, which gives its views about 2 suggested adverse effects of oral contraceptives: Cervical carcinoma in situ:  "The International Planned Parenthood Federation Central Medical Committee has reviewed unpublished studies reporting a statistical association between carcinoma in situ of the cervix and the use of oral contraceptives, and has come to the  conclusion that the available evidence is insufficient to confirm or exclude a causal relationship.  Other studies are in progress in several countries.  Where cytological service is available, an annual cervical s mear makes possible the detection of carcinoma in situ at a stage when a complete cure can be effected.  Therefore, existing facilities for annual cytological examinations should be used, and where such facilities do not exist they should be established if possible.  The Committee, fully cognizant of its responsibilities, recommends that no programme of hormonal contraception should be deferred or interrupted since, at the present time, the Committee is of the opinion that the benefits to health of  widespread use of oral contraceptives out-weigh the probable risks."  Thromboembolism: "Recently published studies in th e United Kingdom reveal a significant statistical association between the use of oral contraceptives, venous thrombosis,  pulmonary embolism, and possibly cerebral arterial thrombosis.  There is no evidence that the risk varies with the duration of use or the type of compound.  The excess risk of mortality due to thrombo-embolic disease among women using oral contraceptives in the United Kingdom appears to be of the order of 3 per 100,000 per year.  Further studies should be undertaken in other parts of the world before accepting the above rate generally.  The risk to life due to thrombo-embolic disease must be weighed against the mortality of pregnancy and childbirth, which ranges from about 20 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies in developed countries to 300 or more in developing countries."
D001695:Biology; D001769:Blood; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D003267:Contraception; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004194:Disease; D004617:Embolism; D005193:Family Planning Services; D007390:International Agencies; D009938:Organizations; D010827:Physiology; D013923:Thromboembolism; D014652:Vascular Diseases; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
Biology; Blood Coagulation Effects; Contraception; Contraceptive Methods--side effects; Diseases; Embolism; Family Planning; Hematological Effects; Hemic System; International Agencies; Ippf; Oral Contraceptives--side effects; Organizations; Physiology; Thromboembolism; Vascular Diseases; Voluntary Health Agencies