Fears, Suits and Regulations Stall Contraceptive Advances

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Fears, Suits and Regulations Stall Contraceptive Advances

New York Times (12/27/95) P. A1
Lewin, Tamar

There are several factors involved in the delay in creating new contraceptive devices, family planning experts say. Lawsuits, a lengthy government approval process, and fears on the part of both consumers and drug companies have led experts to predict that it will be years before any new methods are made available in the United States. Many public health experts are worried about the lack of momentum in contraceptive research because some of the available products have disturbing side effects and many do not help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. "A lot of companies have dropped out," notes Dr. Nancy Alexander, chief of the contraceptive development branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Currently, research is being conducted on a number of barrier methods that would include both spermicides and chemicals that could block viruses like HIV and herpes.

951227
AD952294

Copyright © 1995 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.