This might sound like a stupid question, so I apologize in advance. I know the pill releases hormones that trick your body into thinking it's pregnant, but does it stop ovulation? If there's a chance you could get pregnant on the pill I would imagine you still ovulate, but my friends have argued otherwise. My point is, should I still keep track of my peak fertility days and abstain on those days as a second method of birth control or is that just totally pointless?

Yes, the pill stops ovulation. Missing pills or taking them incorrectly increases the chance of ovulation, and therefore, your risk of pregnancy.

I think I get it now. Thanks!

Actually, it is still possible to ovulate while taking the pill. The pill works two ways, one by stopping ovulation - which is not guaranteed. The other way is by making the uterus inhospitable to implantation. The two things combined help prevent pregnancy. If you think you are still ovulating (some women can feel it) you might want to keep track, but as long as you are taking your pill correcty, you should be okay. That's the whole point of the pill! :)