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A review of global access to emergency contraception
Author(s) -
Westley Elizabeth,
Kapp Nathalie,
Palermo Tia,
Bleck Jennifer
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.04.019
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency contraception , medical emergency , family medicine , population , family planning , environmental health , research methodology
Background Emergency contraception has been known for several decades, and dedicated products have been on the market for close to 20 years. Yet it is unclear whether women, particularly in low‐resource countries, have access to this important second‐chance method of contraception. Objectives To review relevant policies, regulations, and other factors related to access to emergency contraception worldwide. Search strategy A wide range of gray literature was reviewed, several specific studies were commissioned, and a number of online databases were searched. Main results Several positive policies and regulations are in place: emergency contraception products are registered in the majority of countries around the world, listed in many countries' essential medicines lists, included in widely used guidance, and supported by most donors. Yet analysis of demographic data shows that the majority of women in low‐income countries have never heard of emergency contraception, and surveys find that many providers have negative attitudes toward providing emergency contraception. Conclusions Despite more than a decade of concerted international and country‐level efforts to ensure that women have access to emergency contraception, accessibility remains limited.