LONDON, Posted 5:01 p.m. January 7, 1999 -- There is a major study out today on the long-term health effects of birth control pills.

CNN reports researchers in London followed 46,000 women who had stopped using the pill for 10 years or more had no more health risks than women who never used the pill.

However, the study found that women who were current or recent users of the pill did face a slightly higher risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers while it is being taken.

Oral contraceptives have been available for 40 years worldwide. About 300 million women have used birth control pills at some time in their lives.

For More Information:

• The Pill: 30 Years Of Concern
• The Morning After Pill