The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71653

Sujata Bose, MS and Susan Scribner, MPP. Abt Associates, 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, (202) 220-2181, sbose@cmsproject.com

Since the advent of artificial family planning, the introduction or marketing of contraceptives has occasionally met with opposition and created controversy. Typically, people oppose contraception for four primary reasons; ethical objections (the belief that contraception is immoral), marketing to specific audiences (such as adolescents), health and safety concerns, and fear of coercive use or hidden political agendas behind contraceptive distribution. Controversy can prevent products from getting or staying on the market, discourage consumers from using products, or damage the goodwill and reputation of manufacturers and distributors. Such consequences ultimately limit the number of contraceptive options available to consumers and can depress contraceptive utilization or prevalence rates.

The authors recently conducted a review in order to identify strategies to address, anticipate, and prepare for contraceptive-related controversy. A presentation based on the review’s results will discuss a range of strategies that have been used by non-governmental organizations, private manufacturers, and national governments to manage controversy in both international and domestic settings. The presentation will address controversy stemming from religious opposition as well controversy stemming from consumer concerns about contraception. It will highlight ways to build strategic alliances, mobilize market demand, educate and communicate with consumers, and use innovative delivery mechanisms to help manage controversy and/or to make contraceptive products available to consumers in spite of controversy.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will:
• Have a framework for understanding controversies related to the promotion, marketing, and distribution of contraceptives.
• Learn strategies to manage such controversies and minimize their impact on contraceptive distribution and marketing programs.

Keywords: Contraception, Service Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.