Introducing emergency contraception in Bangladesh: A feasibility study

Abstract

Approximately 28,000 maternal deaths occur every year in Bangladesh due to pregnancy and delivery-related complications, while many more women suffer major physical and psychological injuries. Available statistics indicate an increase in menstrual regulation (MR) and abortions, most performed by untrained practitioners under unhygienic conditions. Introducing emergency contraception (EC) in the national family planning (FP) program in Bangladesh could substantially reduce unwanted pregnancies and as result MR/abortions should also decrease. Because MR/abortions in Bangladesh significantly contribute to high maternal morbidity/mortality, introducing EC could be an important reproductive health intervention to provide couples with a back-up support to prevent unwanted pregnancy. EC could also reduce the psychological worries and health risks associated with unwanted pregnancies, MR, and abortions. The Directorate of Family Planning in collaboration with the Population Council’s Frontiers in Reproductive Health Project, Pathfinder International, and John Snow Inc., is conducting this feasibility study to develop, test, and document operational details for introducing EC as a back-up support for existing FP methods. This report is an interim update of the study’s accomplishments so far.