Adaptation of the World Health Organization's Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use for use in the United States☆
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.
aDivision of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
bDepartment of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
Corresponding author.
☆ 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.
ABSTRACT