EXPANDING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Emergency contraception has been called the best-kept contraceptive se cret. Previous research shows that several regimens of postcoital cont raception offer safe and effective ways for women to avoid pregnancy. Yet the methods are typically unavailable to women in developing count ries. In this article, the authors review the main methods of emergenc y contraception and describe experience with them to date. The prevale nce and urgency of the need for making these methods available to wome n in developing countries are assessed. The necessary elements for cre ating such access are described. In several developing countries, cond itions for introducing the methods may be more favorable than in indus trialized countries. These advantages are reviewed. Finally, the autho rs describe the challenges anticipated for broadening the availability of postcoital methods in the developing world. They conclude with a b rief series of recommendations for policymakers.