THE SEATTLE TIMES | With abortion rights at risk, need for a male contraceptive is urgent
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THE SEATTLE TIMES
SEPTEMBER 2024
By John Amory
People have used birth control for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used condoms. The human desire to prevent pregnancy is long-standing, and scientific advancement has been playing catch-up ever since.
Most research on contraception has focused on methods for women, who now enjoy many contraceptive options. For men, only condoms and vasectomies are available.
Historically, outdated assumptions have hindered funding and research into the development of novel male contraceptives. Additionally, some believe that men don’t want the responsibility of preventing pregnancy and wouldn’t use a new male birth control method, even if it existed. However, the data on the use of condoms and vasectomies show that men currently account for a third of all contraceptive use.
As a clinician and researcher working to develop novel male contraceptives, I see men every day who want to participate in the family planning process. Trends over the last two years back up these observations, all pointing toward one conclusion: It’s high time that we develop new birth control solutions for men.