Teenager died from blood clot linked to birth control pill – her family fear tragedy could happen again

Monday 2 February 2026 | UK

The family of a teenager who died suddenly from a blood clot linked to a contraceptive pill has called for greater public awareness of the potential risks associated with birth control medication.

Aine Rose Hurst, 19, died in March last year after developing a blood clot in her brain, which was linked to the oral contraceptive pill Femodette that she had been prescribed.

Speaking to Sky News’ The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, Aine’s mother, Kerry Hurst, and her aunt, Dawn Kidd, said more must be done to educate young women about possible side effects, stressing that no family should have to endure a similar loss.

In the months before her death, Aine had been taken off the pill after an annual check-up showed she had high blood pressure. When her blood pressure later returned to levels considered acceptable under NHS guidelines, she was placed back on the contraceptive.

Following her death, both the coroner and the Bolton GP Federation reviewed the case. In a statement to Sky News, the federation said the findings concluded that Aine had been appropriately prescribed Femodette in line with clinical guidance.

According to NHS information, the risk of developing a blood clot from combined hormonal contraception, such as the pill, is relatively low, affecting around one in 1,000 users.

Despite this, Aine’s family say clearer communication and stronger awareness around potential risks could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.