Changes in Permanent Contraception Procedures Among Young Adults Following the Dobbs Decision.

This cross-sectional study evaluates changes in tubal ligation and vasectomy procedures among younger adults following the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.

Obstetric outcomes in pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization are not different in fertile, sterilized women compared to infertile women: A Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology database analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes resulting from assisted reproductive technology in couples with a history of female sterilization to couples with other infertility diagnoses. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Fresh, nondonor cycles excluding gestational surrogacy from 2004 to 2013 in the United States. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Preterm birth rates and low birth weight rates from in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies in couples with infertility and in couples with prior tubal ligation as their sole indication for IVF. RESULT(S): The mean ages of fertile women (N = 8,478) and infertile women (N = 371,488) were 35.3 and 34.6 years, respectively. Of the singletons born to parous women (N = 26,463), the incidence of preterm birth was not significantly different in fertile, sterilized couples compared to infertile couples (13.7% vs. 12.0%). The incidence of low birth weight among term singletons was also not significantly different between fertile couples compared to infertile couples (3.5% vs. 3.2%). CONCLUSION(S): Fertile couples have similar preterm birth and low birth weight rates after IVF compared to infertile couples. This suggests that differences in perinatal outcomes may be due to assisted reproductive technology procedures rather than infertility itself.

Changes in contraceptive use and method mix in India: 1992-92 to 2015-16.

OBJECTIVE: Contraceptive use is subject of scientific interest for its contribution to reduced fertility and improved maternal and child health in India. This study answers the changes in method mix and the influence of factors associated with contraceptive use in India during 1992-93 to 2015-16. METHODS: The study used data from all the four rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted during 1992-93 to 2015-16. Binary logistic regression was conducted in the pooled data of contraceptive users of four rounds of the survey to examine the adjusted contribution of various contraceptive methods over time. Also analysed the determinants of contraceptive use in 1992-93 and 2015-16. The pooled data of 1992-93 and 2015-16 was used to explore the change in users through creating interaction between time and predictors. STATA (V 13) was used for analyses and result was reported at 5 percent level of significance. RESULTS: Female sterilization continued to dominate the contraceptive method mix, use of pills and condoms had considerably increased, and traditional method use had remained almost unchanged during 1992-93 to 2015-16. Age, education, surviving son, religion, social group, household size, region, and economic condition of the woman remained as significant determinants of contraceptive use during the study period. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive use, method mix, the profile of the users, and determinants of contraceptive use has changed significantly during 1992-93 to 2015-16 in India. Increased use of modern spacing methods albeit continuous dominance of female sterilization in method mix suggests relooking at the family planning implementation strategy.

Contextual influences on the choice of long-acting reversible and permanent contraception in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Long acting reversible and permanent contraception (LARPs) offer promising opportunities for addressing the high and growing unmet need for modern contraception and helps to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortion rates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study examines the contextual factors that influence the use of long acting reversible and permanent contraception among married and fecund women in Ethiopia. METHOD: We use data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey to examine the contextual factors that influence choice of long acting reversible and permanent contraception among married, non-pregnant and fecund women. The DHS collects detailed information on individual and household characteristics, contraception, and related reproductive behaviors from women of reproductive age. In addition, we created cluster level variables by aggregating individual level data to the cluster level. Analysis was done using a two-level multilevel logistic regression with data from 6994 married (weighted = 7352) women residing in 642 clusters (communities). RESULTS: In 2016, 12% of married, non-pregnant and 'fecund' women were using long-acting reversible and permanent methods of contraception in Ethiopia. A higher proportion of women with secondary and above education (17.6%), urban residents (19.7%), in the richest wealth quintile (18.3%) and in paid employment (18.3%) were using LARP methods compared to their counterparts. Regression analysis showed that community level variables such as women's empowerment, access to family planning information and services, region of residence and knowledge of methods were significantly associated with use of LARP methods. Age, wealth status, employment status and women's fertility preferences were among the individual and household level variables associated with choice of LARP methods. With regards to age, the odds of using LARP methods was significantly lower among adolescents (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.85) and women over the age of 40 (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.90) compared to women in their 20's. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the demand for long-acting reversible and permanent contraception is influenced not only by women's individual and household characteristics but also by the community's level of women's empowerment, socio-economic development, as well as access and exposure to family planning information and services. Thus, improving knowledge of long-acting reversible and permanent methods, improving women's decision making autonomy and upgrading the capacity and skills of health workers particularly the midlevel providers and community health extension workers on the provision of LARP methods and rights-based approach is important to improve the uptake of LARP methods.

Changes in the use of effective and long-acting reversible contraception in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the prevalence and identify correlates of unmet need for contraception and to assess whether prevalence of use of effective contraception and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) has changed over time among married or cohabiting, reproductive-age women in Vietnam. METHODS: Study population was drawn from nationally representative Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted in 2000, 2006, 2011 and 2014. Unmet need for contraception was defined as occurring when a fecund, married or cohabiting woman is not using any method of contraception but either does not want children or wants to delay birth for at least 1 year or until marriage. Following the ranking of method effectiveness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we defined "effective contraception" as implant, intrauterine device, male and female sterilization, injectable, pill, patch, ring or diaphragm. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify correlates of unmet need for contraception in 2014 and Cochran-Armitage trend tests to assess changes in effective contraception and LARC use from 2000 to 2014. All analyses used survey weights to account for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: In 2014, 4.3% of married or cohabiting, reproductive-age women had unmet need for contraception. Multivariable analysis showed that age, education and number of children ever born were statistically significant correlates of unmet need for contraception. Use of effective contraception statistically significantly declined from 53.0% in 2000 to 45.7% in 2014 (p<.0001). Similarly, LARC declined from 39.6% in 2000 to 30.0% in 2014 (p<.0001). After adjusting for age, education, residence and having at least one son, these secular trends remained. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that effective contraception and LARC use have decreased among married or cohabiting women of reproductive age in Vietnam. Correlates of unmet need for contraception should be used to inform interventions to prevent unintended pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS: Although the prevalence of unmet need for contraception was low (4.3%) in 2014, the use of effective contraception and long-acting reversible contraception declined among reproductive-age, married or cohabiting women in Vietnam from 2000 to 2014. This finding is particularly striking given the economic growth in the nation during this time frame.

Declining rates of sterilisation reversal procedures in western Australian women from 1990 to 2008: the relationship with age, hospital type and government policy changes.

BACKGROUND: Female sterilisation is usually performed on an elective basis at perceived family completion, however, around 1-3% of women who have undergone sterilisation elect to undergo sterilisation reversal (SR) at a later stage. The trends in SR rates in Western Australia (WA), proportions of SR procedures between hospital types (public and private), and the effects of Federal Government policies on these trends are unknown. METHODS: Using records from statutory state-wide data collections of hospital separations and births, we conducted a retrospective descriptive study of all women aged 15-49 years who underwent a SR procedure during the period 1st January 1990 to 31st December 2008 (n = 1868 procedures). RESULTS: From 1991 to 2007 the annual incidence rate of SR procedures per 10,000 women declined from 47.0 to 3.6. Logistic regression modelling showed that from 1997 to 2001 the odds of women undergoing SR in a private hospital as opposed to all other hospitals were 1.39 times higher (95% CI 1.07-1.81) and 7.51 times higher (95% CI 5.46-10.31) from 2002 to 2008. There were significant decreases in SR rates overall and among different age groups after the Federal Government interventions. CONCLUSION: Rates of SR procedures in WA have declined from 1990 to 2008, particularly following policy changes such as the introduction of private health insurance (PHI) policies. This suggests decisions to undergo SR may be influenced by Federal Government interventions.

Trends in contraceptive use according to HIV status among privately insured women in the United States.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the patterns and trends of contraceptive use among women living with HIV, compared with noninfected women in the United States. Further, little is known about whether antiretroviral therapy correlates with contraceptive use. Such information is needed to help identify potential gaps in care and to enhance unintended pregnancy prevention efforts. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare contraceptive method use among HIV-infected and noninfected privately insured women in the United States, and to evaluate the association between antiretroviral therapy use and contraceptive method use. STUDY DESIGN: We used a large US nationwide health care claims database to identify girls and women ages 15-44 years with prescription drug coverage. We used diagnosis, procedure, and National Drug Codes to assess female sterilization and reversible prescription contraception use in 2008 and 2014 among women continuously enrolled in the database during 2003 through 2008 or 2009 through 2014, respectively. Women with no codes were classified as using no method; these may have included women using nonprescription methods, such as condoms. We calculated prevalence of contraceptive use by HIV infection status, and by use of antiretroviral therapy among those with HIV. We used multivariable polytomous logistic regression to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for female sterilization, long-acting reversible contraception, and short-acting hormonal contraception compared to no method. RESULTS: While contraceptive use increased among HIV-infected and noninfected women from 2008 through 2014, in both years, a lower proportion of HIV-infected women used prescription contraceptive methods (2008: 17.5%; 2014: 28.9%, compared with noninfected women (2008: 28.8%; 2014: 39.8%, P < .001 for both). Controlling for demographics, chronic medical conditions, pregnancy history, and cohort year, HIV-infected women compared to HIV-noninfected women had lower odds of using long-acting reversible contraception (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86 compared to no method) or short-acting hormonal contraception method (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.70 compared to no method). In 2014, HIV-infected women using antiretroviral therapy were significantly more likely to use no method (76.8% vs 64.1%), and significantly less likely to use short-acting hormonal contraception (11.0% vs 22.7%) compared to HIV-infected women not using antiretroviral therapy. Those receiving antiretroviral therapy had lower odds of using short-acting hormonal contraception compared to no method (adjusted odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.63). There was no significant difference in female sterilization by HIV status or antiretroviral therapy use. CONCLUSION: Despite the safety of reversible contraceptives for women with HIV, use of prescription contraception continues to be lower among privately insured HIV-infected women compared to noninfected women, particularly among those receiving antiretroviral therapy.

The Rise of Female Sterilization: A Closer Look at Colombia.

Objective In the 1970s, OCPs and IUDs were the most popular contraceptive methods in Colombia. According to data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), sterilization has become the most common form of birth control in Colombia. This study aims to examine the characteristics of Colombian women desiring long-acting contraception. Methods This study uses the 2005 and 2010 Colombian DHS dataset. Women who choose long-acting contraception were divided into those using female sterilization and those using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to compare demographic and social determinants of contraceptive choice among reproductive age women seeking long-acting contraception between the years 2005 and 2010. Results Among women using a long-acting contraceptive method in 2010, compared to 2005, women were significantly more likely to be sterilized (1.14 OR, 95% CI 1.09-1.18) and less likely to use LARC (0.88 OR, 95% CI 0.85-0.92). Of women seeking long-acting contraception, those exposed to a family planning provider were less likely to undergo sterilization (0.54 OR, 95% CI 0.51-0.58) and more likely to use LARC (1.84 OR, 95% CI 1.73-1.96). When compared to all contraceptive users, younger women and women with less than two children were more likely to use LARC than sterilization. Conclusion Between 2005 and 2010, an increase in the proportion of contracepting women being sterilized in Colombia occurred. Our findings suggest that exposure to a family planning provider and appropriate contraceptive counseling appears to be key determinants of long-acting contraceptive choice. To improve use of long-acting, effective contraception, efforts should be made to increase access to family planning providers.

Definitive Contraception: Trends in a Ten-year Interval / Contracepção definitiva: tendências em um intervalo de dez anos

Abstract Objective To evaluate the trends in definitive contraception in a ten-year interval comprising the years 2002 and 2012. Method Retrospective analysis of the tubal sterilization performed in our service in 2002 and2012,analyzingthedemographiccharacteristics,personalhistory,previouscontraceptive method, definite contraception technique, effectiveness and complications. Results Definitive contraception was performed in 112 women in 2002 (group 1) and in 60 women in 2012 (group 2). The groups were homogeneous regarding age, parity, educational level and personal history. The number of women older than 40 years choosing a definitive method was more frequent in group 1, 49.1% (n = 55); for group 2, the rate was 34.8% (n = 23) (p = 0.04). The time between the last delivery and the procedure was 11.6±6.2 and 7.9±6.4 years (p = 0.014) in 2002 against 2012 respectively. In 2002, all patients performed tubal ligation by laparoscopic inpatient regime. In 2012, the bilateral placement of the Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, US) device was suggested to 56.1% (n = 37) of the patients, while laparoscopy was suggested to 43.9% (n = 29) of them. All women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization had the procedure successfully completed using silastic rings. The overall bilateral device placement rate for the Essure was 91.6%, with only one complication reported. All Essure procedures were performed in an outpatient setting; for the laparoscopy, this rate was 79% (n = 15). No intentional pregnancies occurred until this date. Conclusions There is a trend in the decrease in definitive contraception over the years in our institution, maybe as a result of the development of long-acting reversible contraceptives. The hysteroscopic procedure has become a frequent option, as it is performed in an office setting without anesthesia, being a well-tolerated, minimal invasive method.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as tendências da contracepção definitiva feminina num intervalo de 10 anos, 2002 e 2012. Métodos Análise retrospectiva das mulheres submetidas a esterilização em 2002 e 2012 no Serviço de Ginecologia de um hospital em Portugal, atendendo às caraterísticas demográficas, antecedentes pessoais, método contraceptivo prévio, técnica de contracepção efetuada, eficácia e complicações ocorridas. Resultados Foram submetidas a contracepção definitiva 112 mulheres em 2002 (grupo 1), e 66 em 2012 (grupo 2). Os grupos eram semelhantes na idade, paridade, nível educacional e antecedentes pessoais. O número de mulheres com mais de 40 anos que optou por um método definitivo foi superior no grupo 1, 49,1% (n = 55), versus 34,8% (n = 23) no grupo 2 (p = 0,04). O tempo decorrido entre o último parto e o procedimento foi de 11.6±6.2 anos e 7.9±6.4 anos (p = 0.014) em 2002 versus 2012, respetivamente. Em 2002, todas as mulheres foram submetidas a laqueação tubária em regime de internamento. Em 2012, a colocação bilateral do Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, EUA) foi proposta para 56,1% (n = 37) das pacientes, enquanto a laparoscopia foi proposta para 43,9% (n = 29) delas. A laqueação por laparoscopia foi realizada com sucesso em todos os casos com anéis de silastic. A taxa de colocação bilateral do Essure foi de 91,6%, tendo sido registrada uma complicação. Todos os procedimentos com Essure foram realizados em regime de ambulatório, enquanto que tal se verificou em 79% (n = 15) daquelas pacientes submetidas a laparoscopia. Não ocorreram gravidezes não intencionais. Conclusão Parece haver uma tendência para a diminuição da esterilização como opção contraceptiva, provavelmente devido à disponibilidade de diversos métodos contraceptivos de longa duração aliada aos benefícios não contraceptivos. A opção pelo dispositivo Essure, mais recentemente, é justificada pela sua realização em contexto de consultório, sem anestesia, sendo um método minimamente invasivo e bem tolerado.

Definitive Contraception: Trends in a Ten-year Interval.

Objective To evaluate the trends in definitive contraception in a ten-year interval comprising the years 2002 and 2012. Method Retrospective analysis of the tubal sterilization performed in our service in 2002 and 2012, analyzing the demographic characteristics, personal history, previous contraceptive method, definite contraception technique, effectiveness and complications. Results Definitive contraception was performed in 112 women in 2002 (group 1) and in 60 women in 2012 (group 2). The groups were homogeneous regarding age, parity, educational level and personal history. The number of women older than 40 years choosing a definitive method was more frequent in group 1, 49.1% (n = 55); for group 2, the rate was 34.8% (n = 23) (p = 0.04). The time between the last delivery and the procedure was 11.6 ± 6.2 and 7.9 ± 6.4 years (p = 0.014) in 2002 against 2012 respectively. In 2002, all patients performed tubal ligation by laparoscopic inpatient regime. In 2012, the bilateral placement of the Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, US) device was suggested to 56.1% (n = 37) of the patients, while laparoscopy was suggested to 43.9% (n = 29) of them. All women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization had the procedure successfully completed using silastic rings. The overall bilateral device placement rate for the Essure was 91.6%, with only one complication reported. All Essure procedures were performed in an outpatient setting; for the laparoscopy, this rate was 79% (n = 15). No intentional pregnancies occurred until this date. Conclusions There is a trend in the decrease in definitive contraception over the years in our institution, maybe as a result of the development of long-acting reversible contraceptives. The hysteroscopic procedure has become a frequent option, as it is performed in an office setting without anesthesia, being a well-tolerated, minimal invasive method.

Objetivo Avaliar as tendências da contracepção definitiva feminina num intervalo de 10 anos, 2002 e 2012. Métodos Análise retrospectiva das mulheres submetidas a esterilização em 2002 e 2012 no Serviço de Ginecologia de um hospital em Portugal, atendendo às caraterísticas demográficas, antecedentes pessoais, método contraceptivo prévio, técnica de contracepção efetuada, eficácia e complicações ocorridas. Resultados Foram submetidas a contracepção definitiva 112 mulheres em 2002 (grupo 1), e 66 em 2012 (grupo 2). Os grupos eram semelhantes na idade, paridade, nível educacional e antecedentes pessoais. O número de mulheres com mais de 40 anos que optou por um método definitivo foi superior no grupo 1, 49,1% (n = 55), versus 34,8% (n = 23) no grupo 2 (p = 0,04). O tempo decorrido entre o último parto e o procedimento foi de 11.6 ± 6.2 anos e 7.9 ± 6.4 anos (p = 0.014) em 2002 versus 2012, respetivamente. Em 2002, todas as mulheres foram submetidas a laqueação tubária em regime de internamento. Em 2012, a colocação bilateral do Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, EUA) foi proposta para 56,1% (n = 37) das pacientes, enquanto a laparoscopia foi proposta para 43,9% (n = 29) delas. A laqueação por laparoscopia foi realizada com sucesso em todos os casos com anéis de silastic. A taxa de colocação bilateral do Essure foi de 91,6%, tendo sido registrada uma complicação. Todos os procedimentos com Essure foram realizados em regime de ambulatório, enquanto que tal se verificou em 79% (n = 15) daquelas pacientes submetidas a laparoscopia. Não ocorreram gravidezes não intencionais. Conclusão Parece haver uma tendência para a diminuição da esterilização como opção contraceptiva, provavelmente devido à disponibilidade de diversos métodos contraceptivos de longa duração aliada aos benefícios não contraceptivos. A opção pelo dispositivo Essure, mais recentemente, é justificada pela sua realização em contexto de consultório, sem anestesia, sendo um método minimamente invasivo e bem tolerado.

Trends of contraception use among married reproductive age women: Tehran lipid and glucose cohort study 2002-2011.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the trends of contraception use among married reproductive age women in Tehran Lipid and Glucose study between 2002 and 2011. METHODS: This analysis investigated a proportion of women users and non-users of family planning, using data from 10year population-based Tehran Lipid Glucose Study from surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Of the 6813, 6993, 7077, and 6789 women in the four phases mentioned, 34.1%, 33.9%, 33.5% and 35% of participants in each phase preferred to use contraception. Number of participants studied were 2506 women in 2002, 2529 women in 2005, 2594 women in 2008 and 2525 women in 2011. RESULTS: Types of methods and patterns of change in contraception differed across time. The percentage of women using traditional methods increased significantly from 25.7% in 2002 to 34.6% in 2011 (p value for trend=0.001). Accordingly, modern contraception use showed a reverse trend. From 2002 to 2011, 61.4%, 61%, 57.7%, and 51% of married women reported currently using various modern contraceptives, respectively (p value for trend=0.001). The proportion of users relying on condoms showed a significant increase during this decade, being 10.9% in 2002, 15.2% in 2005, 20% in 2008 and 21.9% in 2011. The prevalence of non-users for contraception was generally low; 12.7%, 8.2%, 8% and 14.3%, respectively from 2002 to 2011, but increased significantly across time (p=0.005) CONCLUSION: Relying on less effective contraceptive methods has increased rapidly among women in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose cohort study, a trend that could be a warning to policy makers about the possibility of higher unsafe abortion and maternal mortality/morbidity rates in the near future.

Twelve-year retrospective review of unintended pregnancies after Essure sterilization in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors contributing to the occurrence of unintended pregnancies after Essure sterilization in the Netherlands. Even though Essure is a permanent method of contraception, unintended pregnancies have been reported. DESIGN: Retrospective case series analysis. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Thirty-five pregnancies were reported in the Netherlands after Essure sterilization from 2002 through 2014 out of 27,346 placements. INTERVENTION(S): Data regarding Essure placement procedure, confirmation tests, and pregnancy outcome of the reported cases were obtained and analyzed to identify a possible cause of failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Four causes of failure were identified: perforation (n = 10), expulsion (n = 7), unilateral placement (n = 7), and luteal pregnancy (n = 2). RESULT(S): The occurrence of most pregnancies was related to physician noncompliance (n = 14). The other cases were associated with patient noncompliance (n = 5) or misinterpretation of the confirmation test (n = 9). Most pregnancies occurred within the first 24 months after the 3-month confirmation test (n = 23). CONCLUSION(S): The results of this study show that the incidence of pregnancies after Essure sterilization is low. Most pregnancies were related to incorrect positioning of a device or unilateral placement, and seem therefore preventable. Unilateral placement without prior history of salpingectomy should always be considered as unsuccessful sterilization. Furthermore, interpretation of the confirmation tests should be done by trained physicians, and with caution. We want to emphasize the importance of strictly adhering to placement and follow-up protocols.

Sterilization: A Review and Update.

Sterilization is a frequently used method of contraception. Female sterilization is performed 3 times more frequently than male sterilization, and it can be performed immediately postpartum or as an interval procedure. Methods include mechanical occlusion, coagulation, or tubal excision. Female sterilization can be performed using an abdominal approach, or via laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. When an abdominal approach or laparoscopy is used, sterilization occurs immediately. When hysteroscopy is used, tubal occlusion occurs over time, and additional testing is needed to confirm tubal occlusion. Comprehensive counseling about sterilization should include discussion about male sterilization (vasectomy) and long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.

[The Incidence of Biomedical Advances in Women. Some Reflections on the Spanish Legislation]. / La Incidencia de los Avances Biomédicos en la Mujer. Algunas Reflexiones Sobre la Normativa Española.

This article will examine how and to what extent advances in biomedical sciences have played a role in transforming the status of women. It will highlight the positive aspects of these transformations but it will also examine the issues which are currently debated and which, in my opinion, require calm and considered reflection.

No surgery required: the future of feline sterilization: An overview of the Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology.

OVERVIEW: For many years, researchers have been studying reproduction of cats and dogs, including approaches to non-surgical sterilization, but scant funding has been available for this work. Recognizing the need to fund research and to attract researchers from the biomedical community to apply their expertise to this area, the Michelson Prize & Grants (MPG) in Reproductive Biology program was founded. Since 2009, it has funded 34 research projects in seven countries toward discovery of a safe single-administration lifetime non-surgical sterilant in male and female cats and dogs. GOAL: The goal of the MPG program is the reduction or elimination of the approximately 2.7 million deaths of healthy shelter cats and dogs in the US every year. The successful product is expected to be a single-dose injectable product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a veterinary prescription item. The most optimistic prediction is that such a product will reach the hands of practicing veterinarians within the next decade. AREAS OF RESEARCH: Active research is in progress using approaches such as immunocontraception with a single-administration vaccine against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Long-term therapy with GnRH agonists such as deslorelin administered in controlled-release devices is also being studied. Other scientists are targeting cells in the brain or gonads with cytotoxins, such as are used in cancer chemotherapy. Gene therapy expressing proteins that suppress reproduction and gene silencing of peptides essential to reproduction are further avenues of research. Findings are available at www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/research-findings.

Interest in nonsurgical female permanent contraception among men in Portland, Oregon and eastern Maharashtra, India.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the men's attitudes and perceptions toward the concept of female nonsurgical permanent contraception (NSPC) or novel approaches to permanent contraception (PC) that do not require incisions or surgical equipment/hysteroscope. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of married/partnered men in Portland, OR, and rural eastern Maharashtra, India. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: In India (N=150), most men (80%) anticipated that their partners would undergo PC in the future, compared to 30% in Portland (N=170). About a third (39.6% in India, 82% in Portland) reported being uncomfortable with PC for partners due to the need for surgery. Most men (85% in India, 82% in Portland) expressed a preference for a hypothetical new method of female NSPC over surgery, if safe and effective. CONCLUSION: Most men sampled in two diverse settings expressed interest in NSPC for women. IMPLICATIONS: Men's perceptions of new female contraceptive methods are important to the contraceptive development process. Men may find a safe and effective nonsurgical method of permanent female contraception more acceptable than surgical PC.

Current contraceptive status among women aged 15-44: United States, 2011-2013.

Nearly all women use contraception at some point in their lifetimes, although at any given time they may not be using contraception for reasons such as seeking pregnancy, being pregnant, or not being sexually active. Using data from the 2011-2013 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) on contraceptive use in the month of the interview, this report provides a snapshot of current contraceptive status among women aged 15-44 in the United States. In addition to describing use of any method by age, Hispanic origin and race, and educational attainment, patterns of use are described for the four most commonly used contraceptive methods: the oral contraceptive pill, female sterilization, the male condom, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, which include contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices.

Honrar a Rosa Parks? Intentos de los sectores católicos conservadores a favor de los derechos en la América Latina contemporánea / Claiming Rosa Parks: conservative catholic bids for rights in contemporary Latin America / Honrar Rosa Parks? Tentativas dos setores católicos conservadores a favor dos direitos na América Latina contemporânea

Cuando en el año 2009 se otorgó en Argentina el Premio Rosa Parks a una senadora conservadora por su oposición abierta al uso de anticonceptivos, a la esterilización y al aborto, era evidente que algo extraño ocurría. En este artículo se documenta la apropiación de los discursos de "derechos humanos" por parte de los sectores católicos conservadores en América Latina, donde el éxito reciente de los movimientos sociales a favor de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos ha generado una reacción significativa. En particular, se indagan los esfuerzos por parte de académicos católicos especialistas en leyes para justificar lo que denominan "un enfoque distintivamente latinoamericano hacia los derechos humanos", dejando de lado décadas de activismo por los derechos humanos emprendido por otros sectores. Quienes se oponen a los derechos reproductivos y sexuales despliegan un discurso de derechos de forma selectiva y estratégica, utilizándolo como una cubierta secular para promover políticas pro-vida y pro-familia.

When the Rosa Parks Prize was awarded to a conservative Argentine senator in 2009 for her outspoken opposition to contraception, sterilisation, and abortion, it was clear that something odd was happening. This paper documents the appropriation of "human rights" discourses by conservative Catholics in Latin America, where the recent success of reproductive and sexual rights social movements has generated a significant backlash. It specifically traces an effort by Catholic legal scholars to justify what they term "a distinctively Latin American approach to human rights" while ignoring decades of human rights activism by others. Opponents of reproductive and sexual rights are deploying rights-talk selectively and strategically, I argue, using it as secular cover to advance pro-life and pro-family policies.

Quando se outorgou o Prêmio Rosa Parks na Argentina a uma senadora conservadora, no ano de 2009, por sua oposição aberta ao uso de anticoncepcionais, à esterilização e ao aborto, era evidente que algo estranho acontecia. Nesta exposição documenta-se a apropriação dos discursos de "direitos humanos" por parte dos setores católicos conservadores na América Latina, onde o êxito recente dos movimentos sociais a favor dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos gerou uma reação significativa. Em particular, indaga-se sobre os esforços por parte de acadêmicos católicos especialistas em leis para justificar o que denominam de "um enfoque distintivamente latino-americano para os direitos humanos", deixando de lado décadas de ativismo pelos direitos humanos empreendido por outros setores. Quem se opõe aos direitos reprodutivos e sexuais desdobra ou faz um desdobramento de um discurso de direitos de forma seletiva e estratégica, em minha opinião, utilizando-o como uma coberta/divisória secular para promover as políticas pró-vida pró-família.

Trends in the use of female sterilisation through minilaparotomy for contraception at a teaching hospital in north central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Female sterilisation is the most widely used method of contraception worldwide. However, only a small proportion of contraceptors are reported to rely on female sterilisation in Nigeria. Continuous reviews of trends in its use are necessary to develop policies that will improve uptake in the country. OBJECTIVE: To determine the volume and trends in the use of female sterilisation through minilaparotomy as a method of contraception in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. METHODS: The records of women who had sterilisation through minilaparotomy over a ten year period were reviewed for socialdemographic characteristics, reasons for undergoing sterilisation, timing of the procedure, surgical method used and complications recorded. This is too sketchy RESULTS: Female sterilisation through minilaparotomy accounted for 95 (0.8%) of the 12,035 total contraceptive use during the period. The rate decreased from 1.5% of total contraceptive use in 1995 to 0.22% in 2003. Eighty two (86.4%) of the female sterilisation acceptors were aged 35 years and above, 46 (48.4%) had no or only primary education and 42 (44.2%) were petty traders. Sixty six (69.5%) of the women were grandmultiparae and 70 (73.7%) had more children than they desired. Seventy three (76.8%) had used other contraceptive methods before sterilisation. The average cost of female sterilisation through minilaparotomy in our hospital was USD25 and this was significantly more than the cost of other contraceptives, and more than hospital charges for normal vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: The proportion of contraceptive acceptors who rely on female sterilisation is low in our environment and has steadily declined over the years. The higher cost of the procedure as compared to other contraceptives appears to be the main barrier. Reduction or outright elimination of cost will probably act as incentive for women to choose female sterilisation as a method of contraception.