World Contraception Day is an international campaign to educate couples about the importance of contraception and reproductive health. The goal is to foster informed choices about contraceptive options and usage and to reduce unplanned pregnancy and abortion. Did you know that each year in the developing world: 137 million women who don’t want to become pregnant are not using contraception. 76 million unplanned pregnancies occur. 36 million pregnancies end in abortion. Births resulting from unplanned pregnancy contribute unnecessarily to health risks for mothers and children, to the cost of raising families, and to the adverse impact of population growth. The Population Council conducts research to develop contraceptives and to better understand the factors influencing access to and decisionmaking around contraceptives. Send an e-card to commemorate World Contraception Day Enviar una tarjeta para conmemorar el Día Mundial de la Contracepción

Project Information

• The Population Council develops needed technologies and pharmaceuticals based on the organization's biomedical and social science research and manages clinical trials of contraceptives and hormone therapies for men and women. (more)
• The Population Council finds ways to increase access to and improve the quality of reproductive health services. Council staff also develop new models for improving care and assist in the expansion of successful innovations. (more)

Accomplishments

• Three of the four major long-lasting reversible contraceptives available today were developed by the Council: the Copper T IUD, Implants, and the intrauterine system Mirena. More than 100 million contraceptives have been used by women in over 70 countries, most at a nominal costs to the user. (more)

• Population Council Distinguished Scientist Sheldon J. Segal has recently been recognized for his contribution to contraceptive development and reproductive health. Segal directed the research that led to the development of copper-bearing IUDs and implant contraceptives (Jadelle® and Norplant®), as well as initial studies on contraceptive vaginal rings, the intrauterine system Mirena®, contraceptive vaccines, and male contraceptives. The modern IUD and Norplant provide contraception for more than 120 million women globally. He is a leading authority on global population issues, family planning, and contraceptive technology, and has published over 300 articles and books.

  • The Population Council and Segal will be awarded the 2008 Prix Galien USA Pro Bono Humanum Award for the development of contraceptive implants. This award recognizes the technical, scientific, and clinical research skills necessary to develop innovative medicines that improve the human condition. (more)

  • Segal also received the Society of Family Planning’s 2008 Award for Lifetime Contributions in Family Planning. The society created this award to recognize outstanding individuals whose cumulative research has reached the highest level of importance in the field. (more)

• Population Council senior scientist Irving Sivin is the first recipient of the Planned Parenthood National Medical Committee’s Irv Sivin Lifetime Achievement Award. The award commemorates Sivin's commitment and critical contributions to contraception and reproductive health. (more) 

Resources

• "Building on decades of success: Pioneering contraceptive research and products" (PDF) (PDF en español)
• "Construyendo sobre décadas de éxito: Lidereando la investigación sobre anticonceptivos y desarrollo de productos" (PDF)
• A review of current Population Council projects on emergency contraception (PDF)

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This page updated 23 September 2008

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