Current opinion: consensus statement on intrauterine contraception

Forty-five experts from around the world attended a 1-day seminar in September 2001 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, to identify ways that they might collaborate to overcome unnecessary barriers to the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Seminar participants formed working groups that produced at least three specific recommendations relating to: training/performance improvement; service delivery improvement; general public information; and clinical and programmatic research. Key recommendations included: integrating reproductive health knowledge and skills into curricula for all healthcare professionals; reviewing and reinforcing with providers evidence-based guidelines for IUD use; encouraging evidence-based review of the IUD label and package insert; and conducting further research about IUD client eligibility, potential health benefits, acceptability among clients and providers, and use by HIV-infected women. At the meeting’s conclusion, a number of participants, representing the fields of research, policy, communications, donors, women’s advocacy, and medicine, expressed an interest in refining and acting upon the recommendations. Hosted by Family Health International, the meeting was supported by the Mellon Foundation.