| Abstract: | Analysis of the growth of the world's population shows that if no trenchant measures are taken, the number of the earth's inhabitants is likely to double to 8 billion people within as few as 35 years. Hormonal contraception is presently the best method available which would be capable of counteracting this trend. 6.5 tons of estrogen and 32 tons of progestogen would in theory be sufficient to protect the 500 million women of child-bearing age from unwanted pregnancies for one year.—In addition, the history, industrial methods of synthesis, mode of action and side effects of steroid contraceptives as well as the possible future developments are briefly mentioned. |
