Developing New Contraceptives: Obstacles and Opportunities

There are numerous reasons to hasten the introduction of new and improved contraceptives―from health concerns about the pill to the continuing medical liability crisis. Yet, U.S. organizations are far from taking a leadership position in funding, researching, and introducing new contraceptives―in fact, the United States lags behind Europe and even some developing countries in this field. Why is research and development of contraceptives stagnating? What must the nation do to energize this critical arena?

This book presents an overall examination of contraceptive development in the United States―covering research, funding, regulation, product liability, and the effect of public opinion. The distinguished authoring committee presents a blueprint for substantial change, with specific policy recommendations that promise to gain the attention of specialists, the media, and the American public.

The highly readable and well-organized volume will quickly become basic reading for legislators, government agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, private organizations, legal professionals, and researchers―everyone concerned about family planning, reproductive health, and the impact of the liability and regulatory systems on scientific innovations.

Committee on Contraceptive Development, National Research Council and Institute of Medicine