Teen's Death Spurs Call for Birth Control Pill Awareness

Aine Rose Hurst, aged 19, tragically died in March of the previous year due to a blood clot in her brain, a condition linked to her prescribed oral contraceptive pill, Femodette. Initially, Aine was removed from the pill due to high blood pressure discovered during her annual check-up. However, after her blood pressure normalized within NHS guidance, she was put back on the medication.

Her mother recounted Aine's final days, detailing a persistent headache that worsened significantly, leading to a desperate call for medical help. Despite attempts to consult a GP and contact emergency services, Aine suffered a fatal event. Doctors determined the blood clot was too large to operate on, and tragically, she passed away after being found to have no brain function.

Aine's aunt and mother have since spoken out, emphasizing a perceived lack of awareness regarding the side-effects of birth control. They highlighted the extensive patient information leaflets that often go unread, particularly by young women, and called for clearer packaging and increased public education on the potential risks associated with oral contraceptives.

The Bolton GP Federation, in a statement, expressed condolences and confirmed that their internal review, alongside the coroner's findings, concluded that Aine was appropriately prescribed the medication according to UK Medical Eligibility Criteria. The risk of blood clots from combined hormonal contraception is noted as small, affecting approximately one in 1,000 individuals.