What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) is high dose birth control pills that can be used after a sexual assault or unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

The two forms of EC most commonly used after a sexual assault are progestin-only pills or combined estrogen and progestin pills. Progestin-only pills are the most effective type of EC medication. Plan B® (two pills), Plan B® One-Step (only one pill) and Next Choice™ (two pills, generic) are the three progestin-only, dedicated, FDA approved EC products available in the US. Larger doses of other specific types of birth control pills can also be used as EC.

Sometimes people call EC the "morning after pill," but this is a misnomer because the medication can be taken up to 120 hours after a sexual assault. However, since EC is more effective the sooner it is taken, it is important to take EC as quickly as possible after an assault.

EC only works before a pregnancy begins. Pregnancy is medically defined as when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Like regular birth control pills, EC can prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation or preventing fertilization. Newer evidence indicates that EC may not interfere with implantation. Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion. It is not the same as RU-486 (known as Mifeprex or mifepristone in the U.S.), which is the abortion medication.

Hospitals in PA are required to provide you with emergency contraception if you want it. If they have chosen not to give the medication, they are required to provide transportation to a place where you can obtain it. For detailed information go to: www.health.state.pa.us/ec

Can I buy EC at the store?

If you cannot obtain EC through a hospital or clinic, Plan B® can be purchased without a prescription, or over-the-counter (OTC), by those 17 years of age and older.   Plan B® has to be obtained at the pharmacy section of a store. For those younger, a prescription is still needed.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding Plan B® OTC:

• The pharmacy might not be open when you need it
• A pharmacy might not carry Plan B®
• A pharmacist might refuse to give you Plan B®
• The cost may be $30-65
• Depending on the circumstance, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of Plan B® through the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP). Ask your counselor/advocate for details.

If you have any problems obtaining EC, call your local rape crisis center at 888-772-PCAR (7227).

How can I learn more about EC?

For more information on EC check out these websites:

PA Department of Health’s brochure titled, “Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Survivors.” This brochure is provided in audio (English) and offered in several languages: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?A=186&Q=249791

Office of Population Research, Princeton University: http://ec.Princeton.edu

Association of Reproductive Health Professionals: http://www.arhp.org/ec

International Consortium for Emergency Contraception: http://www.cecinfo.org/