Abstract
This article presents the results of a study on the acceptability of emergency contraception (EC) in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Opinions of potential users and possible providers were obtained through discussion groups and those of authorities and policy-makers through semi-structured interviews. Most participants had a positive opinion of EC, based on the view that it can help reduce unplanned pregnancy, adolescent pregnancy, and unsafe abortion. Several interviewees felt that all women should be informed about EC, while others viewed it as a method for special situations such as rape and unprotected first sexual intercourse. Concern was expressed that its introduction might be associated with a decrease in condom use, increase in sexually transmitted diseases, and irresponsible or promiscuous sexual behavior among adolescents. The need for EC was clearly perceived by most participants, leading to the conclusion that health authorities have the responsibility of implementing programs for its introduction. Training of health care personnel should include the discussion of reproductive health problems that could be prevented by EC.
Highlights
In Latin America, as in other developing regions, two of the main reproductive health problems are unplanned pregnancy leading to unsafe abortion (Henshaw & Morrow, 1990; Mundigo & Indriso, 1999; Requena, 1990; Singh & Wulf, 1994; World Health Organization (WHO), 1993) and adolescent pregnancy (Bruno & Bailey, 1998; Morris et al, 1988; UN, 1989)
Prior knowledge and perceptions concerning emergency contraception In Brazil, some potential users and schoolteachers reported never having heard of EC, while others reported having received some information through television, written materials, or training
The study showed that EC was well-accepted by potential users and providers of the method, as well as by most authorities interviewed in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico
Summary
In Latin America, as in other developing regions, two of the main reproductive health problems are unplanned pregnancy leading to unsafe abortion (Henshaw & Morrow, 1990; Mundigo & Indriso, 1999; Requena, 1990; Singh & Wulf, 1994; WHO, 1993) and adolescent pregnancy (Bruno & Bailey, 1998; Morris et al, 1988; UN, 1989). Emergency contraception (EC) could help reduce the incidence of both problems (Consortium for Emergency Contraception, 1996; WHO, 1998). Though specific EC formulations are marketed, not all family planning programs in Latin America provide them. Other contraceptive methods that can be used for EC (combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel-only pills, and copper-releasing IUDs) are available free of cost or at low prices in many family planning clinics. When used, EC is generally restricted to cases of rape
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