Potential barriers to the removal of Norplant among family planning clinic patients.

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and effects of potential barriers to removal of levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) among low-income women. A sample of 687 women who received Norplant at hospital-based family planning clinics were interviewed before Norplant insertion and 6 months after Norplant insertion (or at Norplant removal if removal occurred earlier). Those who continued to use Norplant were reinterviewed at 2 years or at removal. In a multivariate analysis, only 1 of the 4 potential barriers--cost--significantly impeded Norplant discontinuation. Family planning clinics need to make clear that they follow a policy of Norplant removal on demand, regardless of the patient's ability to pay.