Could a Remote Control Contraceptive Chip be Available Soon?

A remote controlled contraceptive chip may not be a far off possibility, according to researchers at MicroCHIP, Inc. The Gates-funded project involves a small chip that's actually injected underneath the skin that delivers hormones and acts as an automatic birth control.

The chip contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which automatically releases small doses throughout the body. Once implanted, this product can last up to 16 years, according to researchers. On the other hand, if women want to get off of it, all they need to do is deactivate the chip through a wireless remote control.

"The ability to turn the device on and off provides a certain convenience factor for those who are planning their family," said Dr. Robert Farra from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) according to BBC News. "Communication with the implant has to occur at skin contact level distance. Someone across the room cannot re-program your implant. Then we have secure encryption. That prevents someone from trying to interpret or intervene between the communications."

Researchers said they are hoping to begin the testing for the drug as early as 2015 and have it hit the market by 2018. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that the remote-control medicine could potentially be prone to hacking and security issues. In other words, it could be like a digital broken condom.

Future implantation for the product will be available under the skin of the buttocks, upper arm and even the abdomen. Researchers said the chip will be submitted for pre-clinical testing soon within the United States.