Planned Parenthood Statement on ECHO Study

WASHINGTON — Today, in South Africa, the results of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial conducted with women in eSwatini (previously Swaziland), Kenya, South Africa and Zambia were released. The study was designed to compare the risks of acquiring HIV among women who used the copper intrauterine device (IUD), the birth control shot (Depo-Provera), and the birth control implant (Jadelle).

Notable findings include:

• No difference in HIV risk across the three safe, highly effective contraceptive methods studied, including one non-hormonal method and two different progestin-only methods.

• HIV incidence among the 7,829 women in the trial was high: 397 HIV infections occurred, or 3.81 percent per year. 

Additional study findings can be found in the full Lancet study HERE.   

Statement from Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Global: 

HIV/AIDS remains an urgent human rights and public health crisis, impacting millions in the U.S. and around the world. This new study reinforces what we already know about contraception—that it is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy—and confirmed that it does not lead to increased risk of HIV. But this study also reaffirms that we all must do more to address the comprehensive HIV prevention needs of women around the world. We must ensure that family planning, contraception, HIV treatment or prevention, and other health services are more accessible, integrated, respectful, and patient-centered for all—because all women, regardless of where they live, have the right to access high-quality health care.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

For more than 45 years, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world through our international arm, Planned Parenthood Global. In partnership with more than 120 organizations across 12 focus countries in Africa and Latin America, we advance the health and rights of young people, women and families, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved. Last year, our partners reached over a million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services provided by our partners. Our unique sustainability model sets us apart, as we empower partners to stand on their own. We help grassroots organizations develop solid reproductive health programs, identify other sources of funding, build their communications and advocacy skills, and develop strategic plans.