The Population Council and the Employees’ State Insurance Company are collaborating in a Men in Maternity (MiM) study in India to test a model of antenatal and postnatal services designed to help thousands of couples, especially men, redefine their roles in reproductive health and improve birth outcomes and maternal health. This is part of a global study that will assess the impact of male partnership in improving pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health, primarily by reducing the prevalence of STIs and increasing postpartum family planning use. Studies suggest that the lack of men’s participation in reproductive health actually undermines women’s health. The MiM study is the first of its kind in India. It includes more than a focus on contraception or safe motherhood and covers topics ranging from child survival and postpartum services to STI diagnosis and treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. This research update provides an overview of the MiM experimental intervention and some lessons learned in establishing the new services and maintaining operations during the first 14 months of the study’s intervention period
