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EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Emergency Contraception (EC) is sometimes mistaken for the abortion pill, or Mifeprex.  EC will NOT end a pregnancy.  If you are looking for information on the abortion pill, please visit our Medication Abortion page.

WHAT IS IT?
Emergency contraception (EC), or the “morning-after pill,” is a dosage of pills that can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse.  If EC is administered within the first 24 hours, it is more likely to effectively prevent a pregnancy from occurring.  Emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases or infections.  It is also not recommended that EC be used as your primary form of birth control, but as a back up when other options of contraception are not available. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Emergency contraception pills contain the two hormones most commonly found in birth control pills: estrogen and progestin.  Just like birth control pills, emergency contraception can prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg, stop or delay ovulation, and can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the lining in your uterus.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
If emergency contraception is taken within the first 24 hours following intercourse, there is a greater chance that a pregnancy will be prevented.  However, you can take EC up to 72 hours after intercourse and still effectively prevent a pregnancy.  The sooner you take the pills, the greater your chances are at preventing a pregnancy from occurring.

WHERE CAN I GET EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
Emergency contraception is available over the counter for women 18 years or older.  You should call your pharmacy and ask if they carry it.   You will have to go to the pharmacy and ask for the emergency contraceptive, known as Plan B.  It is kept behind the counter and you will need to show identification to prove your age.  Women under 18 still need a prescription to obtain emergency contraception.