Butler County approves Paragard (copper IUD) agreement for family-planning clients

The Butler County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize an agreement allowing the Butler County Health Department to offer Paragard, a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), to family-planning clients. Health Director Jamie Downes told commissioners the Paragard IUD provides a non-hormonal option that is appropriate for people who cannot use hormones because of certain medical conditions. Downes listed conditions discussed by staff as examples that may preclude hormonal contraception, including ventricular heart disease, cerebrovascular stroke, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, migraine disorders, history of blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, and for women age 35 or older who are heavy smokers. Downes said Paragard is a copper IUD that is effective for up to 10 years and is approximately 99 percent effective; she contrasted that with the county’s current IUD option, which staff said is approved for five years. Downes asked the commission for permission to enter a contract with the Paragard manufacturer so the county could provide the device to clients. Commissioners approved the agreement on a motion moved by Commissioner Herzet and seconded by Commissioner Murphy; the vote was 5–0. Downes also said the department has offered the Mirena IUD in the past for clients with private insurance and that safe-sleep classes and other health-literacy outreach at recent events were well attended. What happened next: commissioners authorized the chair to sign the agreement and the health department will proceed with procurement and implementation per the contract terms.