Washington, May 8 (ANI): Over half of Americans think that the birth control pill has been one of the most significant medical advances of the last half century, a new CBS poll found.

Most Americans say “the pill” has had an impact on American society and on women’s lives in particular, and credit it with helping women enter the work force.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the birth control pill in 1960 and today 52 percent of Americans consider it as one of the most significant medical developments of the last 50 years.

According to the poll, conducted on May 4th and 5th, four in five Americans think the birth control pill has had at least some effect on American society overall, including 41 percent who say it’s had a great deal of impact.

Even more, 54 percent, think the birth control pill has had a great deal of impact on women’s lives in particular, reports CBS News.

Most Americans say women’s lives were changed for the better because of the birth control pill.

Only a quarter think it made no difference, and even fewer say the pill made women’s lives worse.

Men (59 percent), women (54 percent), and women who have ever taken the pill (54 percent) say that women’s lives were improved as a result of the birth control pill.

In fact, Americans think the birth control pill helped women enter the work force— 57 percent say the pill made it easier for women to have jobs and careers outside the home.

On the other hand, 53 percent of younger Americans say the birth control pill had no effect on the ability of women to work outside the home.

Among working women, 55 percent say the birth control poll has made it easier for women to enter the workforce.

The poll finds public concerns about the safety of the birth control pill have diminished over time. (ANI)