Giant condom outside EU Parliament demands male birth control funding
Giant condom outside EU Parliament demands male birth control funding
Giant Condom Outside EU Parliament: More Research on Contraception Needed - Giant condom outside EU Parliament demands male birth control funding
A giant seven-metre condom now stands outside the European Parliament to highlight a pressing issue. The German Foundation for World Population (DSW) is pushing for greater investment in male contraceptive research. Campaigners warn that without more funding, new methods could remain out of reach for years to come.
At present, men have only two reliable contraceptive options: condoms and permanent sterilisation. Women, by contrast, can choose from a far wider range of methods. This imbalance leaves 257 million women globally without proper access to birth control, resulting in around 121 million unintended pregnancies each year.
Scientists are working on four promising alternatives for men. These include the NES/T hormonal gel, currently in Phase 2b trials, and three non-hormonal approaches: Plan A (Phase II by NEXT Life Sciences), NLS-133 (Phase II by NEXT Life Sciences), and YCT-529 (Phase 1b/2a by YourChoice Therapeutics). Other methods in development include reversible vasectomies and heat-based techniques. The DSW stresses that political backing and financial support are critical. Without them, these innovations risk long delays before reaching the public.
The condom installation in Brussels aims to draw attention to the urgent need for progress. More funding could accelerate the arrival of new male contraceptives. Until then, the gap between available options for men and women will persist.
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