Contraceptive implants are thin, flexible rods inserted under the skin of the upper arm that release hormones in order to prevent pregnancy. These implants are widely used throughout the world as a long acting form of birth control. Their use, especially in low income countries, has steeply increased since 2012 when implant manufacturers lowered their prices under the Implant Access Program (IAP).

While insertion of these implants is more readily available, access to implant removal services is lacking and that is the case worldwide. Given the removal procedure is more difficult than the insertion, implants are being widely inserted; but there are insufficient resources to provide removal on demand. The current removal procedure requires manual incision and extraction which can be an uncomfortable process for both the patient and the provider, and in extreme cases, debilitating. 

The pursuit of effective and safe implant removal affects tens of millions of women worldwide. From understaffed rural clinics to overcrowded urban practices, limited access to removal services ultimately deprives women of their right to manage their own fertility and the choice to use a reliable and long acting method of contraception. 

" Now is the right time to tackle the issue of ensuring ready access to high-quality implant removal services. "  We believe the removal procedure should be as easy and accessible as the insertion, providing women everywhere the freedom to choose.