Emergency contraception (EC) provides an excellent opportunity to women to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy if unwanted sex occurs. However, in Bangladesh very little is known about EC. This study was undertaken by Population Council in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Pathfinder International and JSI to develop, test and document operational details for introducing EC within the program. The study tested the relative effectiveness of two alternative service delivery models for providing EC. First, women were provided information about EC and two packets of EC pills prophylactically: second, women were given only information about EC and were asked to come back if they need supplies of EC pills. All were also provided a brochure on EC. The study used a multi-factorial, control group longitudinal survey design. 321 providers and their immediate supervisors were trained on EC before they started providing EC service to women. All women (4500) who were provided information on EC or were given EC pills were followed up five months after the intervention. Study revealed high acceptability of the EC pills without indicating any reduction in family planning use, method shift and excessive use of the method. A small number of women reported minor side effects. Most of the women expressed willingness to pay for the pills, if necessary. Impact of EC pills on reducing unwanted pregnancy and abortion is being investigated. Soon EC pills will be expected to be introducing in the government family planning program.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Maternal Morbidity, Contraception
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.