A SHOT IN THE DARK?

The article discusses the adverse effects of Depo-Provera and the use of the injectable contraceptive in native women in Canada. The pharmacological sterilization of First Nations and Metis women with Depo-Provera, while temporary, is nonetheless raising serious health--not to mention ethical--concerns among community leaders, physicians and academics. Doctors suggest Depo-Provera's use among Canadian Aboriginal women is between 10 and 20 per cent of those who practise contraception. Caroline Tait, who teaches women's and gender studies at the University of Saskatchewan, worries Depo-Provera is being prescribed to Aboriginals without proper monitoring. Both Health Canada and Pfizer Canada caution that just because someone reports an adverse reaction doesn't prove the medication is responsible. Maclean's randomly picked 30 women from the Health Canada drug database, their claims included such side effects as cervical cancer, vaginal hemorrhage, suicidal tendencies, depression, panic, weight gain, lethargy and nausea.