Quinacrine Pellets: An Examination of Nonsurgical Sterilization

Abstract

Researchers have been studying the quinacrine sterilization method for more than 25 years yet the family planning community or the public at large were largely unaware of its availability and did not discuss it until the 1993 Lancet article on the field trials of quinacrine sterilization in Vietnam. Earlier research used a liquid form of quinacrine but this method had a high failure rate and caused several medical complications (e.g. burning in vagina). Later research used slow-release quinacrine pellets which had a lower failure rate and minimized the risk of medical complications. The field trials of quinacrine sterilization in Vietnam generated considerable attention from womens health activists contraceptive researchers policy makers family planning providers and others. Concerns included the Vietnamese womens subjection to long-term physical harm and exploitation denial of these women of a life-saving contraceptive choice when quinacrine sterilization was discontinued and potential misuse and abuse. Family planning specialists must not only consider the benefits from a new contraceptive technology but also the realities of potential misuse. The authors call for them to consistently emphasize the users perspective maintenance of scientific objectivity during data analysis and involvement of users in discussions and decisions about safety and contraceptive efficacy. A retrospective study of quinacrine acceptors in Vietnam will be conducted to ensure accurate and thorough data so the family planning community can initiate the process of introducing the quinacrine sterilization method.