FDA: 51 contraceptives safe, non-abortifacient

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-one contraceptive products, including the controversial Implanon and Implanon NXT, will be recertified by the Food and Drug Administration  (FDA) as non-abortifacient.

FDA director general Nela Charade Puno said they have completed the technical review and reevaluation process of the contraceptives.

“The products passed the FDA standards. We are preparing the recertification of these contraceptives. The certification will attest that the products are safe and non-abortifacient,” Puno said.

The Supreme Court (SC) had ordered the FDA to recertify the products as a requirement for the lifting of the temporary restraining order it issued in June 2015.

The order stemmed from a petition filed by the Alliance for Family Planning Foundation Philippines Inc., which claimed that  implants cause abortion.  

The contraceptives were removed from the Department of Health’s family planning program following the SC resolution.

The products are composed of two implants, five Progestine-only pills, eight Depot Injectable, one intrauterine device, 32 oral contraceptives and three combined injectable contraceptives.