Gregory Pincus, father of the pill.
- Authors
- Type
- Published Article
- Journal
- Population today
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 3–3
- Identifiers
- PMID: 12296230
- Source
- Medline
- Keywords
- License
- Unknown
Abstract
This paper presents the profiles of Gregory Pincus, popularly known as the "Father of the Pill". Pincus was considered a brilliant scientist who developed an oral contraceptive in 1950. He had already achieved in vitro fertilization of rabbit eggs, foreshadowing later successes in assisted human reproduction that have enabled tens of thousands of couples to overcome infertility. His discovery, however, generated controversy, which cost him tenure at Harvard, prompting his move to Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. At Clark, he continued his work, which led to the creation of the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in 1944, teaming up with several other scientists. With his qualities as scientist, Pincus was among the few whose distinction and recognition encourage young scientists to enter the field.