Potential barriers to the removal of Norplant among family planning clinicpatients

Objectives. This study examined the prevalence and effects of potential bar riers to removal of levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) among low-income wom en. Methods. A sample of 687 women who received Norplant at hospital-based fami ly planning clinics were interviewed before Norplant insertion and 6 months after Norplant insertion (or at Norplant removal if removal occurred earli er). Those who continued to use Norplant were reinterviewed at 2 years or s t removal. Results. In a multivariate analysis, only 1 of the 4 potential barriers-cos t-significantly impeded Norplant discontinuation. Conclusions. Family planning clinics need to make clear that they follow a policy of Norplant removal on demand, regardless of the patient's ability t o pay.