World Contraception Day, observed annually on September 26, is a global campaign dedicated to increasing awareness of contraception and supporting informed reproductive health decisionmaking. Significant progress has been made in expanding access to family planning over recent decades and, while gaps remain in access, method choice, and delivery, researchers, practitioners, and advocates have spurred innovation to close these gaps.

The field also continues to evolve. New contraceptive technologies are advancing through the research pipeline, multipurpose prevention technologies hold promise for addressing multiple health needs, and innovative service delivery approaches are helping reach new populations. Researchers, implementers, advocates, and private sector partners are working together to ensure that individuals have access to a broader range of safe, effective, and acceptable contraceptive options.

In recognition of World Contraception Day 2026, the Population Council, EngenderHealth, the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, and Bayer are convening a webinar to share breakthroughs and innovations in contraceptive research, delivery, and partnership, as well as opportunities to overcome ongoing challenges and gaps to access. Through a moderated discussion featuring researchers and practitioners, the event will highlight examples of innovation and examine how stakeholders can work together to expand access and choice.

Objectives

• • Recognize and celebrate progress in contraceptive access and share promising innovations in contraceptive research, development and delivery.
  • Explore ongoing challenges facing the family planning field and discuss opportunities or lessons learned to overcome them.
  • Foster dialogue among practitioners, researchers, advocates, funders, and private sector partners.

Participants will:

• • Better understand emerging trends in contraceptive innovation,
  • Learn about promising approaches to expanding access and choice,
  • Gain insight into current barriers affecting contraceptive development and delivery, and
  • Hear perspectives from implementation, research, and private sector leaders.

Panelists:

• Ann Gottert, Associate, Population Council
• Grace Miheso, Project Director, EngenderHealth, Kenya
• Mariana Schiffer Acar, Bayer
• Panel moderator Anthony (Tonyboy) Faraon, Chief of Party for The Challenge Initiative, Philippines