Executive summary

During 9–12 March 2014 and 24–25 September 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened two meetings of a Guideline Development Group (GDG), consisting of 68 individuals representing a wide range of stakeholders for the purpose of reviewing and, where appropriate, revising its Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, fourth edition (MEC) guidance. Fourteen topics (encompassing over 575 recommendations) were reviewed by the GDG as part of the revision. All other existing recommendations within the fourth edition were confirmed by the GDG and did not undergo formal review for the updated fifth edition of the MEC.