Empowering women and men to choose the size of their families

More than 220 million women in developing countries want to avoid or delay pregnancy but are not using contraceptives. The result: millions of unintended pregnancies. Our research is breaking new ground in expanding access to affordable contraceptive technologies for women in low-resource settings.

New and underutilized contraceptive methods

Long-acting reversible contraceptives, which include implants and intrauterine devices, are often overlooked as options for young women. FHI 360 co-hosted two events to spur inquiry and action to increase young women’s access to these safe, highly effective contraceptives. The discussions resulted in a Global Consensus Statement, endorsed by 45 organizations, to expand contraceptive choice for youth that includes long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Under our Contraceptive Technology Innovation Initiative, we participate in eight research collaborations to support the development of a longer-acting contraceptive injectable and a biodegradable implant. Currently available injectables necessitate monthly or quarterly reinjections, while implants require removal by a trained health care provider. Both methods can create a burden to women with limited access to health care. In 2015, we launched Envision FP, a five-year contraceptive technology research project that will enable us to expand our work in this area and develop new or refined contraceptive options to better meet women's needs.

Visit the Contraceptive Technology Innovation (CTI) Exchange, a platform for increasing access to resources on contraceptive research, development, registration and introduction.