The world's largest source of private public health funding, the Gates Foundation, has decided to throw its support behind the development of new forms of family planning. Representatives from the Foundation introduced the Global Health Program's new Reproductive and Maternal Health strategy at several conferences last month. The development of new contraceptive technologies is one of their five major reproductive health grantmaking priorities. The Foundation’s website describes this priority as “improving contraceptive methods through the discovery, development, and clinical testing of methods that are more acceptable to potential users, easier to use, more effective, and better suited for use in resource-limited settings.”
More news on the Foundation’s work in this area to come...
The BBC reports that sexual health clinics in schools could cut teenage pregnancy and infection rates. "Researchers surveyed teenagers who visited clinics set up in 15 schools and pupil referral units in Bristol" that served 12,000 pupils during the two-year pilot period. "Many of those quizzed admitted they probably would not have bothered seeking help if the service had not been on-site," and remarkably, 48% of those who made appointments were male. The medical director highlights the importance of taking services to those in need: "Many young men find it difficult to go into what they see to be a contraception clinic. This service offers far more than that and is easily accessible."
School sex clinics prove popular
BBC, 12 June
Return to the top
For many years, studying male contraception and reproduction doomed researchers to feeling like comedian Rodney Dangerfield, perennially lamenting "I don't get no respect." No more, it seems! This year the Endocrine Society honored Dr. Ronald Swerdloff of LA BioMed/UCLA, "in recognition of exceptional achievement as an educator in the discipline of endocrinology and metabolism."
In addition to praising him as a highly accomplished educator, administrator, and clinician, the Endocrine Society factored in his advisory work to China and India for the World Health Organization (though they neglected to mention that it was to oversee the development of specialized research centers on male contraception). They also noted that he has directed the UCLA Population Research Center, UCLA World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research in Human Reproduction, Mellon Center for Men’s Health, and NIH Contraceptive Clinical Trials Center. Congratulations, Dr. Swerdloff, on this recognition of many years of contribution to the field!
Return to the top
College students react to the idea of a male Pill and reflect on how it would play into safer sex decisions. One female student: "If I was with a guy for a while then I would consider using the male
birth control pill without condoms. But if a random stranger said he was on the pill, I'd be like, '[forget] that.'"
Students skeptical on male birth control pill
The Northeastern News, 18 June
The wide variety of expectations and needs reminds us of the importance of a range of contraceptive options for men and women planning their families.
Return to the top
Editors
Elaine Lissner, Director of the Male Contraception Information Project (MCIP)
Email: info@NewMaleContraception.org
MCIP is entirely nonprofit and works in three areas: raising public awareness of promising nonhormonal male contraceptives, advocating increased and expedited government research, and serving as a resource for journalists who wish to write about the subject.
Kirsten Thompson, Director of the Male Contraception Coalition (MCC)
Email: info@MaleContraceptives.org
The Coalition’s objectives are to speed the development of new male contraceptives through increased legislative and institutional support, to raise funds for applied male contraception research and development, and to educate the public about the work of the research community.
