MP Marsha Singh was today calling for an urgent review of the law on contraceptive pills for children, following the death of a Bradford teenager.

The Bradford West Labour MP had the support of 50 other MPs from all parties for his Early Day motion calling for action.

He wants Minister for Public Health, Tessa Jowell, to review the law and guidelines issued to doctors and health groups which may be in a position to issue contraception and advice about it.

Caroline Bacon, known to her friends as Caz, died in May 1994 after suffering a stroke. She died just after her 16th birthday after being issued with the pill 18 months previously.

Her mother, Jennifer, believes there may be a link between her death and the fact that she was on the pill.

Mrs Bacon formed the pressure group Parents Against Oral Contraception. She said today: "I am very, very pleased with support like this and I hope it succeeds.

"Millions of people are affected by this - in fact, anyone who has a daughter. Parents are being undermined."

Mr Singh said: "The death of any child is a tragedy. An avoidable death, doubly so. My Early Day motion has been prompted by the campaign of my constituents Mr and Mrs Bacon."

He described to the House how Carol-ine died after suffering a long period of paralysis caused by a blood clot.

Government statistics show that, on average, five women die every year from complications associated with the pill.

Campaigners claim that because doctors and coroners are reluctant to ascribe the root source as the pill, the true number of pill deaths is between ten and 30 each year.

l Jennifer is organising a candlelit vigil outside the Department of Health to mark the fifth anniversary of her daughter's death.

She hopes to be joined at the event on May 1 by other families who believe their teenagers died as a result of taking the contraceptive pill. For more information contact Jenny on Bradford 499328.

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