To: Jim S who wrote (28063 ) 4/25/2008 2:01:10 PM From: TimF Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 71588 Combined oral contraceptive pills were developed to prevent ovulation by progestogenic and estrogenic suppression of gonadotropin release. Combined hormonal contraceptives, including COCPs, inhibit follicular development and prevent ovulation as their primary mechanism of action... ...A secondary mechanism of action of all progestagen-containing contraceptives is inhibition of sperm penetration through the cervix into the upper genital tract (uterus and fallopian tubes) by decreasing the amount of and increasing the viscosity of the cervical mucus.[60]... ...Other secondary mechanisms have been hypothesized. One example is endometrial effects that prevent implantation of an embryo in the uterus. Pro-life groups consider such a mechanism to be abortifacient, and the existence of postfertilization mechanisms is a controversial topic. Some scientists point out that the possibility of fertilization during COCP use is very small. From this, they conclude that endometrial changes are unlikely to play an important role, if any, in the observed effectiveness of COCPs.[60] Others make more complex arguments against the existence of these mechanisms.[61] And some scientists argue the existing data supports such mechanisms.[62] The controversy is currently unresolved.en.wikipedia.org So birth control pills working as an early abortifacient, has not been established. Also most fertilized embryos don't survive. The law has to balance principles with practicality. It can be somewhat impractical but it can't toss practicality out completely, esp. for a possible concern about an effect that hasn't been established as real, and if it exists at all is effectively an increased statistical risk, that could never be established as an actual cause of death.