On this day, 64 years ago, May 31, 1961 (April 17, 1961, the United States approved the use of oral contraceptives. Production of contraceptives Despite opposition from religious groups, conservatives and others, the female oral contraceptive pill was put on the market after widespread trial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on May 9, 1960 that it had approved the use of a safe oral contraceptive. The female oral contraceptive pill, which bears the trademark "Enofield", is made by Searle Company of Chicago. This fertility control drug, coupled with new contraceptives and increased use of fertility control surgery, has allowed women to escape the fear of pregnancy, which has become a constraint on their sexual life from the beginning of childbirth. Since millions of women needed the pill, doctors 'clinics and pharmacies were suddenly crowded. Catholics were shocked when Archbishop Owen LeBlanc, director of the American Catholic Family Life Office, reported that Catholic women were taking the pill regularly as non-Catholics. As recently as 1959, bishops also condemned "representatives of certain Christian groups"-a reference to Protestant pastors-for not practicing abstinence. Now, even Catholic priests, and some priesthood nuns, are reconsidering their vows to practice in the light of changes in life.