Despite major advances in modern contraception over the past 60 years, many gaps remain, and a new era in contraception research presents opportunities in male contraception, non-hormonal female methods, and multipurpose prevention, while facing challenges including industry inertia and rising conservatism.
The rate of unplanned pregnancies and abortions remains high despite 60 years of advances in modern contraception.
Male contraception represents a key area of opportunity and gap in current contraceptive innovation.
Non-hormonal female contraception is identified as a major area of unmet need and innovation opportunity.
Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that combine contraception with protection against sexually transmitted pathogens represent an emerging area of contraceptive innovation.
Industry inertia is identified as a major obstacle to contraceptive development.
A new wave of conservatism and government interventions threatens to impede contraception development, services, and education.
Marginalized and underserved populations, including marginalized women and transgender individuals, are identified as inadequately served by current contraceptive options and research.
Renewed commitment from scientists, private foundations, government institutions, and industry is identified as the best pathway to improve family planning and promote women's health.
This review paper examines the current state of contraception research and development, identifying where progress has been made and where significant gaps remain. Despite six decades of advances in birth control, unplanned pregnancies and abortions remain common worldwide. The authors argue that we are entering a new era of contraceptive research, with exciting opportunities to develop new types of birth control — including options for men, hormone-free options for women, and methods that simultaneously prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, the paper also identifies serious obstacles slowing progress. One major barrier is a lack of engagement from the pharmaceutical industry, which has largely stepped back from contraceptive innovation. Additionally, a rising wave of political conservatism and government restrictions is threatening not only contraceptive services but also the research and education needed to develop new methods. The paper also highlights that certain groups — including men, marginalized women, and transgender individuals — are particularly underserved by existing contraceptive options and research efforts. This research suggests that overcoming these challenges will require coordinated effort from researchers, governments, philanthropic organizations, and industry working together. The authors emphasize that offering people more and better contraceptive choices is the most effective way to reduce unplanned pregnancies and support reproductive health. Without renewed investment and commitment across all these sectors, promising innovations currently in development may never reach the people who need them.
Anderson D, Bearak J, Grimstad F, Palanee-Phillips T, van der Straten A. (2025). Biomedical innovations in contraception: gaps, obstacles, and solutions for sexual and reproductive health.. Lancet (London, England). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01187-0