COMMENT & CONTROVERSY

In some eyes, Implanon is an abortifacient

“Everything you need to know about the contraceptive implant” by Philip D. Darney, MD, MSc

I find Dr. Darney’s article misleading when it comes to the “2 mechanisms” of action given for Implanon. Inhibition of ovulation and failure of sperm penetration through cervical mucus are discussed, and readers are assured that the device “lacks abortifacient properties.” This assertion contradicts both the physician package insert and the patient information published by Organon and available on its Web site at www.implanon.com. These resources clearly state that “alterations in the endometrium” are an additional mechanism of action, ie, that Implanon could cause failure of blastocyst implantation.