The Guttmacher Institute’s Adding It Up research initiative produces estimates on the need for, impact of and costs associated with providing sexual and reproductive health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Adding It Up’s rigorous evidence base shows that investing in sexual and reproductive health saves lives, reduces costs and improves health.
Global report: The latest Adding It Up study for 128 low- and middle-income countries includes estimates for 2024.
A major update in the 2024 study is how “unmet need” for contraception is defined. This new approach considers not only whether a woman is currently using modern contraception, but also whether she expresses interest in using it in the future. This shift creates a more person-centered approach to measuring contraceptive need, called “unmet demand.” Our policy analysis explains why we made this change and how to use the new indicator of unmet demand.
Since 2004, Guttmacher’s Adding It Up research project has examined the need for, impact of and costs associated with fully investing in sexual and reproductive health care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through its component studies and resources, this initiative illustrates the investment needed to ensure these services are available to all women of reproductive age (15–49)—specifically including adolescents—and their newborns in LMICs. These services enable individuals to make informed decisions about whether and when to have children, experience safe pregnancy and delivery, support the health of their newborns, and maintain their sexual and reproductive well-being.
Director of International Research
