Born 9 Apr 1903; died 22 Aug 1967 at age 64.

Gregory (Goodwin) Pincus was an American #endocrinologist whose work on the #antifertility properties of steroids led to the development of the first effective #OralContraceptive (#OCP) : the #birth-control pill.

In 1934, Pincus made national headlines by achieving #in-vitro #fertilization of rabbits. The public was not ready for the vision of #test-tube babies; instead of fame, he received notoriety.

Consequently, he moved a small independent laboratory. There he did applied research, especially on #steroids. In 1953, he was approached about developing a new form of #contraception. He focussed on using #progesterone as an effective #anti-ovulent, and showed it could be a good contraceptive drug.

In 1960, a synthetic progesterone drug was approved by #USFDA for contraceptive use.