UNFPA Expands Choice for Women, approving new injectable contraceptive for procurement.

In a win for reproductive health and rights—especially amid growing global challenges—women and girls will now have greater access to contraceptive choice with the addition of a new subcutaneous injectable contraceptive for procurement in UNFPA's process: Medroxyprogesterone acetate 104 mg/0.65 ml (MPA-SC), manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh.

Following a rigorous quality assessment, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expert Review Panel (ERP) issued a “no-objection” recommendation for the product’s procurement.

In many settings, women and girls still face barriers to family planning—whether due to limited product options, stockouts, or affordability. This new subcutaneous injectable offers a shelf life of 30 months and meets international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy—making it a strong addition to the contraceptive method mix.

“Every woman and girl deserves the freedom to make informed choices about her reproductive health,” said Karen Hong, UNFPA’s Chief of Supply Chain Management Unit. “By expanding access to new and affordable contraceptives, we are centering human rights in our supply chain—giving women and girls both the power and the agency to shape their own futures.”

“This is a significant development for the family planning landscape. It brings more choice to the market while improving affordability—allowing resources to stretch further and reach more women and girls.” added Linda Serwaa, Product Quality Assurance Manager at UNFPA.

Each batch will undergo rigorous testing before procurement, as part of UNFPA’s commitment to quality assurance.

Grounded in a human rights–based approach to family planning, access to sexual and reproductive health products must be available, acceptable, and of assured quality—ensuring that all people can exercise their right to health, dignity, and self-determination without discrimination or barriers.

This milestone reflects UNFPA’s vision of a world where reproductive health is not a privilege - but a right. By expanding access to safe, effective, and affordable contraceptives, we move closer to a future where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.