 In the early 1960s, the birth control pill was only approved in Canada for therapeutic purposes like regulating the menstrual cycle. Although some doctors would prescribe it knowing it could be used for birth control, chemical birth control was not legalized until 1969. The social impacts of the birth control pill were wide-reaching. By giving women greater ability to plan, space, or limit their pregnancies, the pill enabled more women to participate in the job market and post-secondary education. This in turn helped shift social norms and expectations surrounding gender roles. The pill appealed to many women because it was convenient and highly effective. It was also revolutionary as it was the first female-dependent form of birth control.