“I think there is a huge social responsibility for there to be a male contraception…with a safe and working option, male contraceptives will take huge pressure off of some women and ultimately be a great step forward for science, sex and society.”
- Charlotte, via MCI’s survey ‘Crowdsourced Perspectives about Male Contraception’
“I like the idea [of male birth control], because it would make me feel more free and safe for existing partners that I may or may not want to take it to the next level in a relationship with. For example, not having kids until I find the right [partner], which allows me more time and options to find the best mutual relationship that makes sense or bonds well enough. And, finally my thoughts about the technology and the male pill birth control makes me feel like [men] have a choice also.”
- Matthew, comment on MCI’s blog post ‘What is the Male Pill?’
A Future of Choice, A Shared Responsibility: Our Journey Continues
MCI Executive Director Heather Vahdat's Annual Letter
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,
As we reflect on 2024, a year of persistent effort and inspiring breakthroughs, a profound sense of gratitude and renewed determination fills our hearts here at Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI). The echoes of our vision – "Reproductive Autonomy for All" – resonate stronger than ever, guiding our every endeavor and fueling our commitment to a more equitable world.
As we reflect on 2024, a year of persistent effort and inspiring breakthroughs, a profound sense of gratitude and renewed determination fills our hearts here at Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI). The echoes of our vision – "Reproductive Autonomy for All" – resonate stronger than ever, guiding our every endeavor and fueling our commitment to a more equitable world.
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This past year has been a testament to the power of collective action and the growing global understanding that true reproductive freedom necessitates the active participation and shared responsibility of all individuals. The landscape of contraception is evolving, and with it, the crucial conversation around the role of people who produce sperm in family planning and pregnancy prevention. We are no longer asking if male contraception is possible, but when a wider array of options will become a tangible reality for millions.
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While the journey to bring new methods to fruition is one of meticulous research, steadfast advocacy, and unwavering financial support, 2024 has brought us visibly closer to that horizon. We've witnessed promising advancements in the scientific pipeline, fostered crucial dialogues with policymakers and healthcare providers, and continued to champion the innovative spirit of researchers dedicated to expanding contraceptive options. The progress we've made, detailed within these pages, is a direct result of your belief in this mission.
The stories we've heard and the partnerships we've forged this year have only deepened our conviction: access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive methods is a cornerstone of health, equality, and opportunity. It allows individuals and couples to build their families and their futures on their own terms. It lightens the often-imbalanced burden of responsibility and opens doors to greater agency and shared decision-making.
The path ahead requires continued resilience and a shared commitment to challenging the status quo. But as we look to the future, we are filled with an unshakeable optimism. The momentum is building, the conversations are shifting, and the demand for more equitable options is undeniable.
Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity, your voice, and your unwavering dedication are the bedrock of this movement. Together, we are not just funding research; we are investing in a future where reproductive autonomy is a lived reality for everyone. The journey is ongoing, but with your continued partnership, we are confident that a future with more choices, and shared responsibilities, is within our grasp.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The stories we've heard and the partnerships we've forged this year have only deepened our conviction: access to a comprehensive suite of contraceptive methods is a cornerstone of health, equality, and opportunity. It allows individuals and couples to build their families and their futures on their own terms. It lightens the often-imbalanced burden of responsibility and opens doors to greater agency and shared decision-making.
The path ahead requires continued resilience and a shared commitment to challenging the status quo. But as we look to the future, we are filled with an unshakeable optimism. The momentum is building, the conversations are shifting, and the demand for more equitable options is undeniable.
Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity, your voice, and your unwavering dedication are the bedrock of this movement. Together, we are not just funding research; we are investing in a future where reproductive autonomy is a lived reality for everyone. The journey is ongoing, but with your continued partnership, we are confident that a future with more choices, and shared responsibilities, is within our grasp.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Heather Vahdat, MPH
MCI Executive Director
MCI Executive Director
“A man's obligation to his children starts long before conception by deciding when and with whom he may want to have children and not simply after birth when the matter is no longer in his hands. Such a narrative should not be viewed merely as a consideration to women but as an essential and basic responsibility of any parent.”
- Skip, responding to MCI’s VideoAsk survey ‘World Contraception Day: Personal Perspectives’
MCI's Organizational Overview
The narrative of family planning has historically and unfairly placed the primary responsibility on one half of the population. Men currently face a stark choice between condoms, which are essential but have an 87% typical use effectiveness rate, and vasectomy, a permanent surgical procedure. This imbalance has profound consequences, contributing not only to the approximately 121 million unintended pregnancies worldwide annually but also placing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on women, impacting their health, careers, and overall well-being.
Founded in 2014, Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) stands at the forefront of a global movement to correct this imbalance. We are unwavering in our commitment to accelerating the development of innovative, safe, non-hormonal, and reversible male contraceptives. Our vision extends beyond simply adding more methods to the list; we believe that by empowering men with more choices, we unlock greater reproductive autonomy for individuals of all genders. We are dedicated to reimagining the entire landscape of contraception to be fundamentally inclusive and equitable. Because true reproductive autonomy for everyone can only be achieved when there are comprehensive options available to everyone, fostering shared decision-making and mutual respect in family planning.
MCI works through two key pillars of activity:
Founded in 2014, Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) stands at the forefront of a global movement to correct this imbalance. We are unwavering in our commitment to accelerating the development of innovative, safe, non-hormonal, and reversible male contraceptives. Our vision extends beyond simply adding more methods to the list; we believe that by empowering men with more choices, we unlock greater reproductive autonomy for individuals of all genders. We are dedicated to reimagining the entire landscape of contraception to be fundamentally inclusive and equitable. Because true reproductive autonomy for everyone can only be achieved when there are comprehensive options available to everyone, fostering shared decision-making and mutual respect in family planning.
MCI works through two key pillars of activity:
Catalyzing Innovation: Empowering Researchers, Expanding Options
Our commitment to innovation goes beyond traditional funding. We provide a vital ecosystem of support for researchers at the forefront of male contraception, offering not only grants and strategic investments but also tailored professional development opportunities. This holistic approach helps nurture groundbreaking science from the lab to the global stage. |
Educate, Engage, Empower: Leading the Charge for Awareness
Championing advocacy is central to our mission. We empower individuals and communities with knowledge by creating and disseminating accessible educational resources, fostering vibrant discussions through our robust online platforms, and connecting directly through impactful outreach efforts. Our goal is to ensure everyone understands the importance and potential of expanded male contraceptive options. |
Expanding the landscape of male contraception is not just about new methods; it's about transforming lives and promoting equity. Our aim is to:
At MCI, we are passionately dedicated to creating a future where reproductive autonomy is a reality for all genders, empowering everyone to confidently navigate their reproductive lives with dignity and choice.
- Dramatically decrease unintended pregnancies: Offering more pathways to planned and desired parenthood.
- Enhance satisfaction and agency in contraceptive choices: Ensuring methods align better with individual needs and preferences.
- Broaden the reach and acceptance of contraception: Leading to higher rates of use by making it a shared endeavor.
- Close the gap in family planning access and choice: Meeting diverse needs that are currently unaddressed.
At MCI, we are passionately dedicated to creating a future where reproductive autonomy is a reality for all genders, empowering everyone to confidently navigate their reproductive lives with dignity and choice.
MCI's Theory of Change
“Personally, I had to deal with the stress of providing for both the mother and our child when I can actually say that I was not ready. I don't mean that I have been irresponsible, but it has been a difficult situation. To some extent, I can say that I have not given my daughter the kind of life I would have wanted, and I know that things could have been different if it happened at the right time.”
- Fidel, via MCI’s survey ‘Men’s Experiences with Unintended Pregnancy’
2024 Highlights
Our journey toward 'Reproductive Autonomy for All' is navigated by a set of deeply held guiding principles. They are the moral compass that steers our work, ensuring every strategy and action not only aligns with our ultimate mission but also accelerates our progress toward a future where true reproductive freedom is a reality for every individual.
The achievements highlighted in the infographic below are a testament to these principles brought to life in 2024. Each success story is a tangible example of how our unwavering commitment and daily efforts are translating our vision into measurable advancements, paving the way for a more equitable and empowered world.
The achievements highlighted in the infographic below are a testament to these principles brought to life in 2024. Each success story is a tangible example of how our unwavering commitment and daily efforts are translating our vision into measurable advancements, paving the way for a more equitable and empowered world.
MCI's 2024 Highlights
“I consider [reproductive autonomy] the power to decide the methods of birth control and when to have children or get pregnant. When it includes 'for all', it means that everyone should have the freedom to choose when to have kids and have access to better, safer, and more convenient methods of family planning.”
- Anonymous, via MCI’s survey ‘What does Reproductive Autonomy for All mean to you'
Funding
Maximizing the impact of every dollar and accelerating crucial research are the cornerstones of MCI's investment philosophy for male contraceptives.
Our approach is twofold: we prioritize funding for innovative programs that directly drive the creation and testing of new methods, and we concurrently invest in building the human capital—the skilled researchers and passionate advocates—who are vital for the field's sustained growth. This strategic allocation allows MCI to achieve critical short-term milestones while future-proofing the advancement of male contraception for generations to come.
The infographic below provides a clear overview of how our 2024 funding was strategically utilized to energize and expand the male contraception field:
Our approach is twofold: we prioritize funding for innovative programs that directly drive the creation and testing of new methods, and we concurrently invest in building the human capital—the skilled researchers and passionate advocates—who are vital for the field's sustained growth. This strategic allocation allows MCI to achieve critical short-term milestones while future-proofing the advancement of male contraception for generations to come.
The infographic below provides a clear overview of how our 2024 funding was strategically utilized to energize and expand the male contraception field:
Male Contraceptive Initiative's 2024 Funding Activities
“Male birth control matters to me because there’s such a disparity in options for men versus women…It would be a relief if men could share the load of birth control and having more options out there would result in lower rates of unwanted pregnancies in developing countries and among teens.”
- Alyssa, responding to MCI’s survey ‘Why is male birth control important to you?’
Research
Cultivating a Thriving Ecosystem: Our Grantees & Investment Partners
Our commitment to accelerating male contraceptive development extends far beyond traditional grant-making. We deploy a multifaceted funding strategy designed to nurture innovation at every stage:
This holistic financial architecture ensures comprehensive support across the entire product development journey, from foundational research to later-stage innovation. Our grants are meticulously structured for maximum catalytic impact, actively fostering vital collaborations that transcend disciplinary, institutional, and geographical boundaries.
Furthermore, we strategically invest in critical research exploring user attitudes, societal dynamics, and the evolving demand for new methods. This crucial work underscores the urgent need for male contraception and illuminates its profound potential impact on global reproductive health.
We are proud to partner with the following Grantees and Investment Partners who received vital support from Male Contraceptive Initiative in 2024 as they spearhead the future of contraception:
Our commitment to accelerating male contraceptive development extends far beyond traditional grant-making. We deploy a multifaceted funding strategy designed to nurture innovation at every stage:
- Catalytic Research Grants: Strategically awarded to propel high-potential research projects forward, turning promising concepts into viable pathways.
- Pioneering Program-Related Investments (PRIs): Directed at fueling breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches, bridging the gap between discovery and application.
- Future Leaders Trainee Support Awards: Dedicated to cultivating the next generation of scientific experts and visionary leaders in the male contraceptive field.
This holistic financial architecture ensures comprehensive support across the entire product development journey, from foundational research to later-stage innovation. Our grants are meticulously structured for maximum catalytic impact, actively fostering vital collaborations that transcend disciplinary, institutional, and geographical boundaries.
Furthermore, we strategically invest in critical research exploring user attitudes, societal dynamics, and the evolving demand for new methods. This crucial work underscores the urgent need for male contraception and illuminates its profound potential impact on global reproductive health.
We are proud to partner with the following Grantees and Investment Partners who received vital support from Male Contraceptive Initiative in 2024 as they spearhead the future of contraception:
Investing in Future Leaders: Welcoming Our New Fellows
Our funding strategy recognizes a critical truth: the future of male contraception rests in the hands of the next wave of dedicated researchers and advocates. That's why we proudly champion programs that cultivate these future leaders. Through comprehensive trainee support, we offer both essential financial resources and dedicated mentorship to talented undergraduate and graduate students. This initiative not only accelerates current research endeavors but passionately demonstrates the vibrant career potential and profound impact one can make in this evolving field.
Our aim is to empower these young minds, guiding their development "from the bench to the boardroom" by fostering not just scientific skill, but also a broader understanding of translational research, policy, and advocacy. This strategic investment in nurturing future talent is fundamental to our mission, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of innovation for generations of male contraceptive methods to come.
Meet the inspiring Fellows who became part of the Male Contraceptive Initiative community in 2024, poised to make significant contributions:
Our funding strategy recognizes a critical truth: the future of male contraception rests in the hands of the next wave of dedicated researchers and advocates. That's why we proudly champion programs that cultivate these future leaders. Through comprehensive trainee support, we offer both essential financial resources and dedicated mentorship to talented undergraduate and graduate students. This initiative not only accelerates current research endeavors but passionately demonstrates the vibrant career potential and profound impact one can make in this evolving field.
Our aim is to empower these young minds, guiding their development "from the bench to the boardroom" by fostering not just scientific skill, but also a broader understanding of translational research, policy, and advocacy. This strategic investment in nurturing future talent is fundamental to our mission, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of innovation for generations of male contraceptive methods to come.
Meet the inspiring Fellows who became part of the Male Contraceptive Initiative community in 2024, poised to make significant contributions:
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“I would give anything for a long acting male contraceptive. Women have loads of options. Men have only two. More needs to be put into giving men some long acting contraception!”
- Vaughan, commenting on an MCI social media post
Advocacy
At Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI), we see a future where family planning is a shared endeavor, not a burden disproportionately carried by women. The current imbalance in contraceptive options is a challenge we are determined to meet. That's why igniting public understanding and championing education around male reproductive health and contraception is not just part of our mission—it is our mission in action.
Our advocacy is a dynamic, multi-layered strategy designed to usher in the next generation of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives:
By weaving these efforts into interconnected, impactful resources, we ensure our message resonates widely and stays true to our core vision. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a global public that is not only well-informed but also enthusiastic and ready to embrace this new era of expanded family planning options.
Our advocacy is a dynamic, multi-layered strategy designed to usher in the next generation of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives:
- Building a Foundation of Knowledge: We develop and disseminate compelling, accessible educational resources that clearly articulate the profound importance and transformative potential of these emerging methods.
- Shifting Perceptions, Inspiring Hope: We actively spotlight and promote the groundbreaking research and development efforts unfolding globally, showcasing the tangible progress being made.
- Empowering a Groundswell of Advocates: We equip individuals and communities with the information and tools they need to become vocal champions for male contraception, fostering a powerful public voice.
By weaving these efforts into interconnected, impactful resources, we ensure our message resonates widely and stays true to our core vision. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a global public that is not only well-informed but also enthusiastic and ready to embrace this new era of expanded family planning options.
MCI's Outreach & Advocacy Strategy
MCI is resolute in its ambition to serve as the authoritative global nexus for all information and dialogue concerning non-hormonal, reversible male contraception. We believe that through proactive collaboration, open knowledge-sharing, and collective action, we can unlock a future where all individuals are truly empowered to make informed, autonomous choices about their reproductive lives. The groundwork laid in 2024 was pivotal in shaping our momentum through 2025.
Key manifestations of this commitment in 2024 included:
Key manifestations of this commitment in 2024 included:
“Being self-reliant is important to me. Condoms are pretty much awful, and it’s just not good enough for me to have to trust a partner to consistently & effectively address the birth-control question. I know of too many first-hand accounts of instances in which doing so just didn’t work out. It’s time for men to have reliable options like women do.”
- Adam, comment on the MCI website
Donor Highlight
The landscape of family planning research, particularly for male contraception, is starved of adequate funding—a chronic neglect that critically stifles progress despite its immense potential to resolve pressing global challenges. This glaring funding gap means innovative ideas languish and the promise of reproductive equity is deferred.
In this challenging environment, Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) stands as a vital lifeline and a testament to strategic impact. It's a stark reality that while we rank as the sixth-largest funder of contraception research for all genders globally, our annual investment capacity remains under $2 million. This underscores not only our efficiency and dedication but also the profound, field-altering transformation that increased financial backing could unleash. The truth is, the entire field desperately requires a significant infusion of resources. Until that broader shift occurs, it is the vision and generosity of our donors that fuel every step of this vital work.
We are committed to championing researchers who are pioneering new male contraceptives, supporting them steadfastly from nascent ideas through the complex journey to market readiness. As a non-profit organization, every breakthrough, every trial, every step forward is made possible solely through the philanthropic spirit of individuals and partners who share our vision. Every dollar contributed is a direct investment in bringing new, empowering options to the world.
The crucial groundwork and momentum we achieved were significantly bolstered by the unwavering commitment of our supporters. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following advocates and donors whose belief in Male Contraceptive Initiative in 2024 helped pave the way for continued progress:
In this challenging environment, Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) stands as a vital lifeline and a testament to strategic impact. It's a stark reality that while we rank as the sixth-largest funder of contraception research for all genders globally, our annual investment capacity remains under $2 million. This underscores not only our efficiency and dedication but also the profound, field-altering transformation that increased financial backing could unleash. The truth is, the entire field desperately requires a significant infusion of resources. Until that broader shift occurs, it is the vision and generosity of our donors that fuel every step of this vital work.
We are committed to championing researchers who are pioneering new male contraceptives, supporting them steadfastly from nascent ideas through the complex journey to market readiness. As a non-profit organization, every breakthrough, every trial, every step forward is made possible solely through the philanthropic spirit of individuals and partners who share our vision. Every dollar contributed is a direct investment in bringing new, empowering options to the world.
The crucial groundwork and momentum we achieved were significantly bolstered by the unwavering commitment of our supporters. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following advocates and donors whose belief in Male Contraceptive Initiative in 2024 helped pave the way for continued progress:
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Hall of Fame ($100,000 and up)
Anonymous |
VIPs ($1,000 to $100,000)
Anonymous |
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Core Supporters ($100 to $1,000)
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Contributors ($1 to $100)
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“I want reliable control over my fertility, so I can control the timing and spacing when I have children. At this time in human history, it is a basic right.”
- Derek, comment on the MCI website
MCI's Staff & Board
Male Contraceptive Initiative's strength lies in its people. Our staff, esteemed board members, and insightful advisors form a holistic and purpose-driven ecosystem of stakeholders, each passionately committed to advancing the field of male contraception. This intentional convergence of leaders from science, medicine, communications, advocacy, and community engagement ensures a well-rounded strategic direction.
Our dedicated staff members are the engine of our progress. They embody a rich mosaic of backgrounds, skills, and experiences, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive organizational culture. We believe that the diversity of our team—in thought, experience, and identity—is fundamental to dissecting the complex challenges and seizing the transformative opportunities inherent in male contraception. This inclusive approach empowers us to develop more creative and effective strategies, ensuring that every step we take brings us closer to realizing 'Reproductive Autonomy for All.'
Our dedicated staff members are the engine of our progress. They embody a rich mosaic of backgrounds, skills, and experiences, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive organizational culture. We believe that the diversity of our team—in thought, experience, and identity—is fundamental to dissecting the complex challenges and seizing the transformative opportunities inherent in male contraception. This inclusive approach empowers us to develop more creative and effective strategies, ensuring that every step we take brings us closer to realizing 'Reproductive Autonomy for All.'
“Contraceptives are the greatest life-saving, poverty-ending, women-empowering innovation ever created.”
- Melinda French Gates
Connect & Collaborate: Let's Advance Male Contraception Together
Your voice, insights, and support are crucial to our mission. At Male Contraceptive Initiative, we firmly believe that our collective impact will always exponentially exceed what any one of us can achieve alone. We are eager to hear from individuals and organizations passionate about revolutionizing family planning.
Whether you have questions, ideas for collaboration, wish to explore partnership opportunities, or want to learn more about how you can contribute to this vital work, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's discuss how we can join forces to move the field of male contraception decisively forward.
811 Ninth Street, Suite 120 #255
Durham, NC 27705
[email protected]
Whether you have questions, ideas for collaboration, wish to explore partnership opportunities, or want to learn more about how you can contribute to this vital work, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's discuss how we can join forces to move the field of male contraception decisively forward.
811 Ninth Street, Suite 120 #255
Durham, NC 27705
[email protected]