Would You Use a Contraceptive Computer Chip That Works For 16 Years?

A computer chip contraceptive that can be adjusted using remote control has been developed as an option for women's birth control. When implanted under a woman's skin, the chip will continue to release a small dose of the hormone, levonorgestrel, into her bloodstream daily for 16 years.

This will happen every day, but can be stopped at any time by using the wireless remote control.

Developed by a company in the US, the project has been backed by Bill Gates, and will be submitted for pre-clinical testing in the US next year - and possibly go on sale by 2018.

The device is small enough for size not to be a deterrent, and is "competitively priced" the creators said.

Would you use this? Check out the details and some people's reactions below..

Tiny reservoirs of the hormone are stored on a 1.5cm-wide microchip within the device.

A small electric charge melts an ultra-thin seal around the levonorgestrel, releasing the 30 microgram dose into the body.

There are other types of contraceptive implant available, the researchers noted, but all require a trip to a clinic and an outpatient procedure in order to be deactivated.

"The ability to turn the device on and off provides a certain convenience factor for those who are planning their family," said Dr Robert Farra from MIT.

The next challenge for the team is to ensure the absolute security of the device to prevent activation or deactivation by another person without the woman's knowledge.

"Communication with the implant has to occur at skin contact level distance," said Dr Farra.

"Someone across the room cannot re-programme your implant.

"Then we have secure encryption. That prevents someone from trying to interpret or intervene between the communications."

Read More - BBC

Some of the BBC readers on Facebook have been reacting with funny and yet salient comments and questions.

Niki Ryan - I can just see the future headlines " my chip was hacked and now I've had triplets"

Jet Chi - Birth control pills should be for men. it makes much more sense to unload a gun than to shoot at a bulletproof vest.

Cathryn Raymond Olson  - Depends. Would my employer get to keep the remote control?

Rosie Earle - How about one for men

Roxanne Pollard - Nice way to get a tracking device in us,  no thank you.

Manuel Gimenez - If the contraceptive chip fails, do you give birth to a baby R2D2?

What say ye?

Me, I'm open to removing my uterus when I know I'm done, but this device is just too gimmicky for me. Daily remote controls and all that, when did a woman become a TV or home entertainment system?


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Photo: Microchips