Luis E. Miramontes, a Mexican chemist, completed the synthesis of norethisterone in 1951 while working at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. This synthesis represented a significant breakthrough, as norethisterone, a synthetic progestin, would eventually become a critical component in the formulation of the first oral contraceptive pill. The development of oral contraceptives marked a turning point in reproductive health, providing women greater control over their fertility and family planning options.

Miramontes's work came at a time when the global discourse on sexual health was beginning to shift. Following World War II, there was an increasing recognition of the need for effective contraception, which coincided with burgeoning movements advocating for women's rights and access to reproductive health. Miramontes, alongside his colleagues, aimed to address these demands through innovative chemical research. His successful synthesis was accomplished using a combination of materials derived from plants, specifically the Mexican wild yam.

Although Miramontes faced numerous challenges during his research, including limited resources and the prevalent societal attitudes towards contraception, his dedication led to pioneering developments that profoundly changed the landscape of contraception. The norethisterone synthesis opened avenues for further research and development of combined oral contraceptive pills, leading to the extensive availability of birth control in the 1960s and beyond. Today, this breakthrough continues to benefit millions of women worldwide, reshaping societal norms and gender roles significantly.