Lend your voice! Support research and innovation contraception and reproductive health!
Contraception is used by 75% of adults globally. But there is a glaring lack of support for research and development in this critical area. Indeed, there have been no major innovations in male contraception in over 100 years and very few new tools developed for women. Join a growing number of voices across the United States committed to supporting increased funding, research and development, innovation - and access to new contraception tools for men and women - regardless of cost or location. Worldwide, countless families are grappling with uncertainties stemming from an unintended pregnancy, which are financial, social and physical. Their struggle taught us all the profound importance of access to effective and affordable contraceptive methods.
To make this vision a reality, we must urge global leaders and key stakeholders to commit to increased funding and support for R&D in contraception. Generous financial investment is crucial to catalyze groundbreaking innovations that could reshape reproductive health for the better. Support for innovative, low-cost solutions like the RISUG method of male contraception could be transformative for millions of people. RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance) is an injectable, non-hormonal male contraceptive method that blocks and damages sperm as they pass through the vas deferens. There are other variations of this method involving gels, creams and hormonal treatment.
Contraception should not only be about preventing pregnancy but also promoting overall reproductive health and wellness. At a time when reproductive rights are increasingly under threat globally, the lack of innovative solutions and substantial investment in this field is alarming. Governments, foundations, and non-profit organizations have largely overlooked this crucial area, resulting in a stagnation of contraceptive options, particularly those that cater to diverse needs and improve accessibility.
Statistics from the Guttmacher Institute indicate that an estimated 214 million women in developing countries who want to avoid pregnancy are not using modern contraceptive methods. This stark reality manifests in higher rates of unintended pregnancies, failed educational opportunities for women, and continued cycles of poverty.
Contraceptive innovation is not just about new products but about creating options that are safer, more effective, and inclusive. Imagine a world where men have as many contraceptive options as women. Imagine a world where contraception is equitably distributed, accessible to everyone regardless of their economic status.
Join us in calling upon governments, philanthropists, and organizations to prioritize contraception research and innovation, ensuring everyone, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, has access to tools that empower them to take control of their reproductive choices. Your signature is more than a name on a list; it’s a declaration that we demand healthier, empowered futures for everyone worldwide.
Sign this petition to urge our leaders to act now. Together, we can pave the way for groundbreaking solutions that will protect and enhance reproductive wellness for generations to come.