Breaking Barriers: Male Contraceptive Research Advances Amidst Abortion Law Debates

The Arizona Supreme Court determined this week that the state can enforce an 1864 statute prohibiting practically all abortions. Now, all eyes are on contraceptives, and some are being developed that will allow men to control their birth control.

For decades, birth control has been primarily a female responsibility; nevertheless, honey-like liquid in vials from a modest Flagstaff lab may hold the secret to reversible and nonhormonal male birth control.

Dr. Rob Kellar is the chief science officer for NEXT Life Sciences’ Flagstaff laboratory. He and his team are creating and testing Plan A, which is male birth control. “Having the ability to develop new technology that gives not just men but partners, couples, some other options to consider in family planning is a really big deal,” Kellar went on to say.

Plan A would be a shot aimed at providing up to ten years of male contraception. It takes effect and can be reversed within minutes. “We were looking to deliver an option that can be reliable but also reversible, and it’s on-demand reversible,” Kellar told me.

According to the most recent CDC data, around 36% of pregnancies over the last decade were unplanned.

NEXT Life creator LR Fox stated that producing male birth control is a goal. “No matter what side of the aisle you’re on or where you stand in the debate, the reality is that the best way to prevent the need for abortion is to enable people to proactively plan when they’re going to get pregnant,” Fox said in a statement.

The serum would not reduce the amount of sperm produced but rather keep it from escaping. Kellar stated that it is nonhormonal and does not affect sperm production, but rather inhibits it from passing through. “It changes into a solid and forms a plug, but it’s got micropores, very small holes that allow fluid to flow through but not larger objects like sperm,” he told me.

This serum has been under development for some years, and clinical trials are scheduled to begin within the next year.

Fox expressed excitement about what this could signify for the future of contraception. “It should not be a burden,” Fox explained. “It should be an opportunity a privilege to be able to take responsibility for yourself, your relationship, and the rest of your life.”

Kellar further stated that this is not intended to replace vasectomy, but rather to serve as an additional contraceptive technique. On their website, you may discover more about the products and keep up with them.