The question before the FDA is whether the drug is scientifically linked to breast, liver or cervical cancer. The advisory panel's findings are not binding, but the FDA usually follows the advice of such panels.

Samuel Shapiro, a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, said that while he believed the FDA should approve the drug for use as a contraceptive, he is unconvinced that the breast cancer risk has been put to rest.

The manufacturer says Depo-Provera is used as a contraceptive in 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Sweden and France.