Giving withdrawal a second look?

This was posted earlier today, but I had a few more thoughts so here is an expanded version. Sorry to the commenters who have already begun this discussion!
Guttmacher Institute, a reputable and well-respected reproductive health think tank asked this question in it’s latest report. From the report:

Withdrawal is sometimes referred to as the contraceptive method that is “better than nothing.” But, based on the evidence, it might more aptly be referred to as a method that is almost as effective as the male condom–at least when it comes to pregnancy prevention. If the male partner withdraws before ejaculation every time a couple has vaginal intercourse, about 4% of couples will become pregnant over the course of a year. However, more realistic estimates of typical use indicate that about 18% of couples will become pregnant in a year using withdrawal. These rates are only slightly less effective than male condoms, which have perfect- and typical-use failure rates of 2% and 17% respectively.

I think it’s important that they are reflecting on this method of pregnancy prevention, but the reasons that sex educators have been hesitant to promote it still stand. Obviously, withdrawal is not effective at all for preventing sexually transmitted infections, so that’s a big factor.
Also, as some of you pointed out, the withdrawal method relies on good communication (and self-knowledge) on behalf of the male partner. He’s got to know when he’s close to orgasm, tell his partner, and pull out in time. The piece about communication is true about most methods, except maybe hormonal things that don’t require the other partner to participate (like the pill, or shot, or IUD). But I think we can all agree that we want to promote communication around safer sex.
But this might be a useful method in low-resource situations. Obviously there might be couples who find this an adequate method, particularly if they are in a monogamous partnership where they have both been tested. But say we’re talking about a situation where the two people don’t have access to other pregnancy prevention methods, either because of money constraints or lack of access to clinics or other services. Teaching them this method would at least give them something to fall back on in terms of pregnancy prevention.
What this makes me realize is how limited we still are when it comes to safer sex technology. Condoms are really the only option out there for preventing STIs, while we have a variety of options for pregnancy prevention (including, it seems, withdrawal). I think a true comprehensive sex education curriculum could have useful teaching on withdrawal, the downsides and possible benefits, alongside other methods of STI and pregnancy prevention.