In several developing nations, surgical sterilization has recently come under fire. Human-rights groups report that women allegedly have been coerced into getting their tubes tied in exchange for food and clothing. Failure rates compared Quinacrine critics say the chemical technique has a higher failure rate than surgical sterilization. Studies show that between two and five of every 100 chemically sterilized women become pregnant after one year. The FDA says tests are needed to see whether quinacrine causes cancer or damages a fetus if the pellets are inadvertently inserted into a pregnant woman.
Supporters counter that there is no cancer risk.
Hoping to slam the door on the procedure, the FDA says it has cracked down on quinacrine self-sterilization kits sold over the Internet. And Florida health officials say Medicaid will not pay for the procedure, though it does cover surgical sterilization. Benjamin said he will provide quinacrine sterilization free to women who can't afford it.