WHO ECO guidelines recommend mifepristone for emergency contraception
23 September 2026. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched today the new Guidelines on Expanding Contraceptive Options (ECO). These provide evidence-based recommendations on contraceptive methods and practices that are not currently included in WHO’s Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC), or that differ from existing WHO practice guidance.
Mifepristone as emergency contraception
WHO recommends mifepristone as an additional emergency contraception (EC) option, taken as soon as possible and within five days of unprotected sex. Based on the available evidence, WHO states that mifepristone at doses of 10–50 mg is likely to be as safe and effective as other EC methods. A dose between 10 and 25 mg may be preferred when available. The guideline supports consideration of mifepristone EC for inclusion in national family planning programmes and clinical guidelines.
The ECO guideline (available only in English for the time being) is intended to support ministries of health, programme managers and policymakers in considering whether these methods and practices should be incorporated into national contraceptive programmes, thereby contributing to a broader contraceptive method mix.
According to ECEC data, mifepristone EC products are currently available only in China and Vietnam. These recommendations could help expand access to mifepristone EC and broaden postcoital contraceptive choices worldwide.
Learn more:
WHO Guidelines on Expanding Contraceptive Options:
WHO Guidelines on Expanding Contraceptive Options
Recording of the launch webinar:
https://www.youtube.com/@mediaHRP
WHO press release:
https://www.who.int/news/item/23-09-2026-who-expands-safe-options-for-contraception
