Deborah Anderson, PhD, calls for expanded contraception access

Deborah Anderson, PhD, professor at Boston University, has emphasized the critical importance of contraception and the urgent need for renewed global commitment to its accessibility, education, and innovation.

In a discussion with Contemporary OB/GYN, she noted that contraception is increasingly under political and social scrutiny, often targeted alongside abortion, despite its proven benefits for women’s health, family well-being, and economic stability. Contraceptive access allows families to plan and space pregnancies, reduces maternal health risks, and helps prevent abortions by avoiding unintended pregnancies in the first place.

Currently, approximately 75% of women worldwide have access to modern contraception, yet 200 million women remain without it. Even among those with access, many experience unintended pregnancies because of inconsistent or incorrect use. Anderson highlighted that half of all pregnancies globally are unintended, and 97% of these result from contraceptive misuse or nonuse—a striking gap between availability and effective use.

She identified several marginalized populations that require greater attention. Adolescent girls often lack both access and education regarding modern contraceptive methods, leading to lower usage rates.

Men, who make up only approximately 25% of contraceptive users, also need to take more responsibility. Despite the safety and efficacy of vasectomy, only 3% of men worldwide have undergone the procedure compared with 27% of women who have had tubal ligations—a nearly 10:1 ratio. Anderson stressed that new male contraceptive options, such as a hormonal gel in phase 2 clinical trials, could help balance this disparity.

Another group requiring better outreach includes transgender and gender-diverse individuals, who may still be at risk of pregnancy before undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. Anderson emphasized that many health care providers lack guidance on counseling these patients about appropriate contraceptive options.

Finally, Anderson called for greater governmental and industry support to ensure equitable access, particularly for low-income populations who have lost public assistance in recent years. She urged policymakers to reinstate funding and prioritize research, as scientific understanding of reproductive biology is advancing rapidly. With adequate investment and attention, Anderson believes the field is on the verge of transformative breakthroughs in contraceptive technology and accessibility.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Anderson DJ, Bearak JM, Grimstad FW, Palanee-Phillips T, van der Straten A. Biomedical innovations in contraception: gaps, obstacles, and solutions for sexual and reproductive health. Lancet. 2025;406(10515):2119-2132. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01187-0