The mother of a 19-year-old woman who died from a brain blood clot associated with a combined oral contraceptive pill is now campaigning to improve awareness about potential risks of hormonal birth control. According to reporting by BBC News, an inquest concluded that the teenager’s death in March 2025 resulted from cerebral venous sinus thrombosis linked to her prescribed estrogen-containing contraceptive.
Áine Rose Hurst, from Bolton, had been prescribed the combined contraceptive pill Femodette to manage heavy menstrual bleeding. She had used the medication for several years. Prior to her death, her prescription had been temporarily discontinued after a routine health check detected elevated blood pressure. Once her blood pressure returned to acceptable levels under medical guidance, clinicians restarted the pill in line with existing prescribing criteria.
In March 2025, Hurst developed a severe headache following a night out. The symptom was initially believed to be related to alcohol consumption. However, her condition worsened over the following days. When she became unresponsive at home, emergency services transported her to hospital.
Imaging studies revealed a large clot in the brain. Doctors determined that the clot was too extensive for safe surgical intervention. She was subsequently declared brain-dead.
The coroner concluded that her cause of death was cerebral venous sinus thrombosis linked to the combined oral contraceptive pill. The inquest described this complication as a recognized but uncommon adverse effect of estrogen-containing contraception.
Speaking to Sky News, Aine's mother, Kerry Hurst have urged greater public awareness about the potential side effects associated with birth control.
We're never going to get Áine back, but if we can make a difference to someone else's life, and stop that happening again, then I hope that's what we can do.
Kerry Hurst, Mother of Áine Rose Hurst
Combined oral contraceptive pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Estrogen alters the body’s coagulation balance by increasing certain clotting factors and affecting natural anticoagulant pathways. This mechanism raises the relative risk of venous thromboembolism compared with non-use.
Although the overall likelihood of developing a clot remains low for most healthy young individuals, medical evidence confirms that estrogen-based contraceptives increase clot risk compared with non-hormonal methods. The risk may be higher in individuals with additional factors such as hypertension, smoking, obesity, or inherited clotting disorders.1
In the United Kingdom, clinicians follow structured criteria when prescribing hormonal contraception. These guidelines require assessment of blood pressure and evaluation of personal risk factors for thrombosis.
BBC reporting noted that Hurst’s care followed current medical guidance. After elevated blood pressure was identified, her pill was paused and later resumed once readings improved. An internal review concluded that prescribing decisions were consistent with established standards.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis can present with symptoms that may initially appear nonspecific. These can include:
Persistent or severe headache
Visual changes
Nausea or vomiting
Neurological symptoms such as confusion or weakness
Early medical evaluation is important when such symptoms occur, particularly in individuals using estrogen-containing contraceptives.2
Following the inquest, Hurst’s mother has begun speaking publicly about the importance of clearer communication regarding contraceptive risks. She has emphasized that patients should understand both the benefits and potential complications of hormonal birth control and recognize symptoms that require urgent medical care.
In an interview with The UK Tonight, Ms. Dawn Kidd, Aine's Aunt stated that there is limited public understanding of the potential side effects of birth control. She noted that the contraceptive her daughter was taking included a 102-page information leaflet inside the packaging, adding that most people do not read such lengthy documents.
Probably now, my god, would we have read that. However, people don't. Especially young girls, and there's got to be clearer labelling on these packages. I just feel there's so much more that can be done to prevent this tragedy ever happening again.
Ms. Dawn Kidd, Aine's Aunt
Combined oral contraceptives remain widely used and are considered safe for most people when prescribed appropriately. Health authorities continue to recommend individualized risk assessment and informed discussions between patients and healthcare professionals.
This case has prompted renewed attention to patient education, early symptom recognition, and transparent communication about the known risks of estrogen-containing contraception.
1. European Stroke Organisation. “ESOC 2025: Combined Oral Contraceptives Triple Risk of Cryptogenic Stroke in Young Women, New Study Shows.” PR Newswire, May 20 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esoc-2025-combined-oral-contraceptives-triple-risk-of-cryptogenic-stroke-in-young-women-new-study-shows-302458942.html.
2. Thrombosis UK. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) Fact Sheet. November 2023. Thrombosis UK. https://thrombosisuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cerebral-Venous-Sinus-Thrombosis-CVST.pdf
(Rh/SS/MSM)
