Contraception
Volume 82, Issue 1 , Pages 3-9, July 2010

Adaptation of the World Health Organization's Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use for use in the United States☆

  • Kathryn M. Curtis

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Denise J. Jamieson

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • ,
  • Herbert B. Peterson

      Affiliations

    • Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
    • ,
  • Polly A. Marchbanks

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA

Received 8 February 2010; accepted 8 February 2010. published online 19 March 2010.

Abstract 

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently adapted global guidance on contraceptive use from the World Health Organization (WHO) to create the United States Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC). This guidance includes recommendations for use of specific contraceptive methods by people with certain characteristics or medical conditions.

Study Design

CDC determined the need and scope for the adaptation, conducted 12 systematic reviews of the scientific evidence and convened a meeting of health professionals to discuss recommendations based on the evidence.

Results

The vast majority of the US guidance is the same as the WHO guidance and addresses over 160 characteristics or medical conditions. Modifications were made to WHO recommendations for six medical conditions, and recommendations were developed for six new medical conditions.

Conclusion

The US MEC is intended to serve as a source of clinical guidance for providers as they counsel clients about contraceptive method choices.

Keywords: Hormonal contraception, Clinical guidelines

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☆ The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PII: S0010-7824(10)00058-2

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2010.02.014

Contraception
Volume 82, Issue 1 , Pages 3-9, July 2010

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