In 2004, Ibis led the formation of the Cervical Barrier Advancement Society (CBAS) in conjunction with the Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA) trial, the first randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the diaphragm in preventing HIV transmission in women. The mission of CBAS is to raise the profile of cervical barrier methods, including diaphragms, caps, female condoms, and other devices, for pregnancy prevention and provide information about research on female condoms and the potential of cervical barriers to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
CBAS provides information through www.cervicalbarriers.org, where the group maintains a clearinghouse of information on cervical barrier and female condom research and available products, and through newsletters featuring research, advocacy, and product availability updates. CBAS’s primary target audiences are researchers and advocates, though the group also reaches users and providers of cervical barriers who come to the website looking for reliable information on the availability of non-hormonal methods of contraception. To get more information about CBAS or join the email list, contact Emily Lapointe.