The special issue of GHSP, focused on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) based on papers presented at the 2016 International Conference on Family Planning, provides testimony to the remarkable rise in the popularity of implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), as well as some limited evidence on permanent methods. As these articles report, we see substantial uptake of LARCs in a wide variety of situations when they are provided in a quality fashion, including provision of a wide choice of methods. These situations include:

• Public and private sectors

• Postpartum

• Postabortion

• Difficult crisis-affected settings

• Peri-urban slums

• With vouchers for those particularly in need

• Via a range of provider cadres.

Moreover, these articles provide insights specifically into the acceptability and provision of IUDs, which have long been recognized as underutilized.