A consumer advocacy group has filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of third generation birth control pills for women. The demand by the group is based on research that has found a significant link between the newest formulations of progestins in the 3G birth control pills and the development of blood clots.

In a video posted on YouTube, Public Citizen contends that the birth control pills, which contain a specific type of birth control hormone, potentially double the risk of developing blood clot in women who use them.

Most birth control pills contain two types of synthetic (man-made) female hormones; progestin and estrogen. The two hormones prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

Although all contraceptive pills carry a very low risk of blood clots, according to Public Citizen, the third generation pills which specifically contain desogestrel double that risk.

According to Public Citizen, 2G and 3G birth control pills both offer the same level of effectiveness as a contraceptive, however 2G pills average 15 blood clots per 100,000 users while 3G pills risk 30 blood clots per 100,000 users.

When asked for comment, officials at the FDA say they will wait until their experts finish reviewing the petition to make a public statement.