Long-Acting and Permanent Methods (LA/PMs) of Contraception
Programs should offer a sustainable, well-balanced range of contraceptive methods that will allow clients to choose the method that best suits their needs. Making long-acting and permanent methods (LA/PMs) available is particularly important. This group of methods includes implants, IUDs, female sterilization, and vasectomy. These are the most effective and cost-effective contraceptives, and they require little action by the client. Despite these advantages, they are often difficult for clients to access and are not used as widely as other methods. Because LA/PMs are highly effective, their wider availability and use would reduce fertility rates more than would wider use of most other methods. Also, countries would be able to meet their reduced fertility goals more cost-effectively.
The resources below may be used in advocacy and communication efforts to support programming for long-acting and permanent methods.
EngenderHealth, The ACQUIRE Project
2008 | 2 p
This advocacy brief provides information to health ministers about the attributes of long-acting and permanent methods of contraception (LAPMs) and offers practical advice for promoting LAPMs within a developing-country context.
Family Health International [FHI]
2007 | 26 p
Family Health International (FHI) developed this package of eight briefs to present the benefits of long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) and the rationale for introducing or revitalizing them within national reproductive health and family planning programs. They are meant to inform policy-makers...
U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID]
2006 | 2 p
When cost and access barriers are removed, long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) fill a growing need to both space and limit births. This brief describes some of the factors to consider when expanding contraceptive method choice to include LAPMs.
ACQUIRE Project/EngenderHealth
2008 | 4 p
This advocacy brief provides evidence about the benefits of long-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) to both clients and health care systems. It also offers recommendations—to stakeholders at the district, national and international levels—for investing in and sustaining LAPM programming.
Toolkit last updated: 27 January 2012
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