Prospects for improved contraception.

Some important new birth control methods have been developed in the postpill, post-IUD era; others are on the way. But shrinking dollars in research (especially R&D), inadequate coordination and planning by donors and programs, and costly and complex regulatory requirements frustrate efforts to use current knowledge to make major breakthroughs.

The rationale for international assistance to population programs in the developing world.

PIP: Because of the negative effects of excessive population growth on food supplies, job opportunities, education, and other developmental goals, international assistance to population programs in developing countries is needed. However, it is acknowledged that fertility reduction is not a sufficient condition to improve standards of living. Developmental assistance should therefore emphasize equity in income distribution to help cause the needed socioeconomic reforms as well as help to provide birth control services that will lead to needed fertility reduction.^ieng

Research in contraception and reproduction: a status report, 1973.

PIP: Research in contraception and reproduction as of 1973 is discussed with emphasis on the need for improved methods of fertility control. Among contraceptors, 1/3 have an unintended pregnancy within 5 years. Need exists for continued attention to fundamental research on human reproduction. Funds for reproductive biology and contraceptive development have increased from $15 million in 1967 to about $61 million in 1972, and will be approximately the same in 1973. The single most important factor for this increase are the funds allocated by the Center for Population Research (CPR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 1972, CPR was able to fund 61% of approved research grant applications, in 1973, 28%, and in 1974, it is expected to fund 19% of approved grants. There has also been a sharp curtailment of research career development awards and training grants. Overseas assistance agencies may increase support for reproductive research in the future. They are channeled primarily through the recently established Expanded Program in Research on Human Reproduction of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Population Council's International Committee for Contraception Research (ICCR) is proceeding with a program of clinical trials of potential contraceptive compounds and devices. Other contraceptive development efforts are financed by CPR and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Roy O. Greep of Harvard has been commissioned by the Ford Foundation to examine the accomplishments in reproductive biology and contraceptive development and to analyze the needs and the most promising areas of future work. Until this study is concluded, the authors believe that the research designed to improve methods of fertility control has missed out on the days of financial support and public interest.^ieng

Research in contraception and production: a status report, 1971.

PIP: There has been significant progress in 1971 in the financing and organization of population control research, but some setbacks continue and the overall funding level compared to need is still only one-third. Total funding for population research in the United States reached $53 million in 1971 compared to $12.5 million in 1967. However, training grants have been cut by the U.S. government, seriously hurting graduate research. Internationally, two new organizations have been established: one under the World Health Organization which will set up collaborative research centers on each continent and one directed by the International Committee for Contraceptive Research under the Population Council to evaluate contraceptive products. These agencies have the potential to fulfill a pressing world-wide need for collaborative effort.^ieng