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Over-the-Counter Access to Emergency Contraception Will Reduce Numbers of Unintended Pregnancies and Abortions

Statement of Vanessa E. Cullins, MD, MPH, MBA Vice President for Medical Affairs
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

NEW YORK CITY — Emergency contraception (EC) is safe and effective and should be made available over the counter. Every woman at risk for unintended pregnancy should have EC in her medicine cabinet. Studies show that EC can prevent unintended pregnancy up to five days after unprotected intercourse, thereby reducing the need for abortion. We hope that after a thorough review of the data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will change the status of emergency contraception from prescription to over-the-counter.

Emergency Contraception

Often called the "morning-after pill," emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is provided in two ways: using increased doses of certain oral contraceptive pills or insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) within five to seven days. Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) can reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 120 hours after unprotected vaginal intercourse. They work best when taken within 72 hours - during this time they can reduce the risk of pregnancy from 75 to 89 percent.

If you have had unprotected sex within the last five days, and need an appointment to receive EC, please call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) for a Planned Parenthood center nearest you, or call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE for a list of providers in your area.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Take Action To Support Emergency Contraception Education