Launch of Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (6th edition) and Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use (4th edition)

On 3 November 2025, HRP and the World Health Organization (WHO) released the 4th edition of the Selected Practice recommendations for contraceptive use (SPR) & the 6th edition of the Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use (MEC).

These cornerstones of contraceptive health offer guidance to health workers and the general public on how to use contraceptive methods effectively and safely.

Key links:

Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use, 6th edition: https://bit.ly/3X9asIt

Selected Practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 4th edition: https://bit.ly/4oM6wZV

Feature story: https://bit.ly/43S6tnk

Video: https://bit.ly/4ogSa41 and Spanish subtitles: https://bit.ly/4oTWN3T

Key accounts: @HRPResearch, @WHO

The new Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (6th edition) provides evidence-based information on the safety of contraceptive methods.

It helps answer practical questions like:

✔️ Can I use contraception if I’m breastfeeding?

✔️ Is the IUD safe after childbirth?

✔️ Can I use hormonal methods if I’m on PrEP or living with HIV?

By supporting informed choice and safe contraceptive use, the MEC remains a cornerstone of family planning, guiding national policies, programmes and clinical practice worldwide.

#HealthForAll #Contraception #SRHR

The Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (4th Edition) provides updated, evidence-based recommendations on how to use contraceptive methods safely, effectively, and consistently.

It supports health workers and programmes in ensuring quality care through guidance on:

✔️ Initiating and continuing contraceptive methods safely

✔️ Managing side effects

✔️ Ensuring informed choice and user satisfaction

This SPR forms one of the cornerstones of family planning, helping countries deliver high-quality, rights-based contraceptive services.

#HealthForAll #Contraception #SRHR

Trusted answers to your questions about contraception “Can I use contraception while breastfeeding?” “Is it safe to use the IUD after birth?” “I take PrEP — what methods work best for me?” The new WHO and HRP Medical Eligibility Criteria and Selected Practice Recommendations bring clear, science-based answers to these questions and more — helping everyone make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. 📘 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WxIANZ & https://bit.ly/4hBUX5d #HealthForAll #ContraceptiveUse #Contraception #SRHR
Have questions about contraception? 🤔 ✔️ Is it safe while breastfeeding? ✔️ Which methods work best with PrEP? ✔️ Can I use an IUD after birth? The new MEC and SPR provide clear, science-based answers. 📘 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WxIANZ & https://bit.ly/4hBUX5d

Contact: Natalie Bailey, HRP, baileyn@who.int