Title: The risky business of birth control.

POPLINE Document Number: 048966

Author(s):

Skrzycki C
Gallagher MH

Source citation:

US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, 1986 May;:1-2.

Abstract:

Fear of product liability suits and increased insurance premiums have had a dramatic negative impact on contraceptive research. The amount spent on such research decreased by 21% in the early 1980s from the 1979 level. Because it costs up to US$45 million to develop a new contraceptive, pharmaceutical companies are focusing on modifying and refining current methods. Triphasic oral contraceptive, which release lower levels of hormones than those found in earlier generations of birth control pills, are an example of this approach. Also in jeopardy is early-stage research of new products such as biodegradable contraceptive implants. Testing for the Capronor implant, for example, has been delayed for over a year because insurance coverage cannot be obtained for the manufacturer that would supply quantities for testing in humans. Pharmaceutical firms are being forced to set aside a major portion of their profits for liability-related expenses. These developments are further expected to delay research on a male contraceptive. It is ironic that, as more US women delay childbearing, there are fewer birth control options available to them than ever before.

Keywords:

United States
North America
Research and Development
Medical Liability
Contraception
Family Planning
Funds
Financial Activities
Pretesting
Market Research
Developed Countries
Americas
Technology
Economic Factors
Research Methodology