Breastfeeding after UPA EC

Breastfeeding after UPA EC

May 2025. To date, most recommendations on use of emergency contraception (EC) pills in lactating women suggest that if EC pills with ulirpistal acetate (UPA) were used, breast milk should be expressed and discarded for one week. This is also the recommendation in the product labels. In the United Kingdom, the Guideline Development Group for…

Taiwan explores adopting the Japanese (temporary) model of access to EC pills

Taiwan explores adopting the Japanese (temporary) model of access to EC pills

May 2025. The discussions on reclassifying emergency contraceptive (EC) pills to be available over the counter (OTC) continues in Taiwan. Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering implementing a pilot program for pharmacy EC dispensing, similar to the one implemented in Japan. Under the Japanese trial, women above 16 can obtain EC pills without…

Global: WHO launches new Maternal Mortality Estimates

Global: WHO launches new Maternal Mortality Estimates

April 2025. The United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) and technical experts published a new round of estimates covering 2000 to 2023. The estimates represent the most up to date, internationally comparable global, regional and country-level estimates and trends for maternal mortality between 2000 and 2023. Some key facts: Find the Full Report…

England: EC pills to be free directly from pharmacies

April 2025. Health authorities in England announced that emergency contraceptive (EC) pills will be available for free from pharmacies. Currently EC pills are provided for free in National Health Service (NHS) units. However, when procured directly from the pharmacy, the price of EC pills may vary extensively from one pharmacy, neighborhood or town, to another,…

Russian Federation: Mifepristone EC pills less accessible

March 2025. Emergency contraceptive (EC) pills with a low dose of mifepristone (10 to 25 mg), have been available in a few countries for many years, including Armenia, Russia, China, Moldova, Ukraine and Vietnam. In 2023, however, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation approved a list of drugs and active ingredients that are…

Contraception: An unfinished revolution

Contraception: An unfinished revolution

March 2025. In the United  Kingdom, Bpas releases the 2nd edition of “Contraception, Re-Imagined: The Unfinished Revolution”. This report uncovers significant barriers to contraceptive access, growing dissatisfaction with existing options, and a rising demand for non-hormonal alternatives. The report is based on a survey of 1,000 women aged 18-45. Some of the findings are:  Bpas…

Taiwan: EC pills remain subject to prescription  

Taiwan: EC pills remain subject to prescription  

March 2025. According to the Taipei Times, emergency contraceptive (EC) pills will remain prescription products in Taiwan, for the time being. The national Food and Drug Administartion (FDA) convened a wide consultation on March 7 to discuss reclassifying EC pills to make them available without a doctor’s prescription. The Ministry of Education, the Department of…

Review of uses of UPA beyond EC

Review of uses of UPA beyond EC

March 2025. A new article describes uses of ulipristal acetate (UPA) beyond emergency contraception: Uses of ulipristal acetate beyond emergency contraception: a narrative review (Ebersole, Ashley M. et al. Contraception). The review describes the extensive potential for UPA to treat and/or prevent conditions such as fibroids, breast cancer, and abnormal uterine bleeding, in addition to other…

Germany:  Contraceptive behavior of adults 2023. Research report

February 2025. The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) just published the English edition of the CONTRACEPTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF ADULTS 2023 report. This nationwide, representative repeat survey, examines contraceptive knowledge and behavior among sexually active population aged 18 to 49. This survey allows to observe and identify trends in contraceptive use over the years. Condoms…

Ulipristal acetate: understanding its uses for EC and beyond

Ulipristal acetate: understanding its uses for EC and beyond

January 2025. The findings of a proof-of-concept study investigating use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) as part of an abortion regimen, have been published this week. UPA is the active ingredient in the newer generation of emergency contraception (EC) pills. The publication of this research may open a global debate about the development of new indications…

Malta: EC pills to be included in National Formulary

January 2025.  In December 2024, Maltese Health Authorities proposed including EC pills in the National Formulary, as part of the 2nd National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030. According to the Minister of Health, the strategy is based on comprehensive research conducted in 2022 and 2023, and is part of the national ongoing efforts to promote sexual…