Biomedical innovations in contraception: gaps, obstacles, and solutions for sexual and reproductive health

Contraception and family planning are vital aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Despite major advances in modern contraception over the past 60 years many gaps remain, and the rate of unplanned pregnancies and abortions remains high. These issues have given rise to a new era in contraception research with great opportunities and many challenges. These opportunities include new innovations, particularly in the areas of male contraception, non-hormonal female contraception, and multipurpose prevention methods that provide contraception in combination with protection against leading sexually transmitted pathogens; fast tracking new inventions currently in the pipeline by intensifying support from government, non-profit, and industry entities; the provision of new methods, services, and messaging for underserved populations including men, marginalised women, and transgender individuals; and better understanding the needs of diverse populations. Major challenges in contraception research include inertia, especially in industry involvement; a new wave of conservatism and government interventions that threaten to impede contraception development, services, and education; and understanding what people want and how to provide solutions. The best way to improve family planning and promote women's health is to offer better contraception options to those who wish to avoid unplanned pregnancy. This can be done by renewed commitment from scientists, private foundations, and government institutions, and from industry partners who are needed to bring promising developments to market.