In 1954 two doctors Pinkers and Rock with the backing of our friend Katherine and the racist Margaret began their first trials in Massachusetts. The research was kind of getting underway in the 40s as scientists realized that by increasing the rates of certain hormones in primates but also in humans they could prevent ovulation and they could prevent people from falling pregnant. It's a very dark history when we think about how common hormonal birth control and the daily pill is now, says author Lisa Ling.