RESUMO
PIP: The introduction of family planning in the populous Fiji Islands has lowered the birthrate from 41.8/1000 in 1959 to 35.9 in 1965. Studies of women taking oral contraceptives and wearing IUDs have shown that both methods are compatible with the Fiji women, although the author considers the IUD the most suitable method, being acceptable, cheap, safe, relatively free from side effects, and requiring only 1 act of motivation. Among the first 1000 IUD wearers, there were 36 pregnancies, 22 occurring with the IUD (Lippes loop) in place. Of the 67 users of oral contraceptives studied, there were no pregnancies among those who took the pills as directed. 2 women, who took them irregularly, got pregnant. Side effects were minimal and the withdrawal rate was low.^ieng