EC Status and Availability
| Country | Country Information | Where EC Is Available | Current Consortium Member Activity | What Products Are Available | Prescription Status |
| Afghanistan | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 4.8% (2000, WHO) | Fertilian, a Gedeon Richter product, is available through IPPF's member association in Afghanistan. A dedicated product is not currently registered. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF Affiliate | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Albania | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 75.1% (2002, WHO). EC socially marketed by Marie Stopes International. | Available without prescription. EC is available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - NorLevo 0.75mg - Postinor-2 |
Available without perscription |
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| Angola | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 6.2% (2001, WHO) | No information available | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Antigua and Barbuda | No information available | Pharmacies without a prescription | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Argentina | Included in the norms in 1999 in the province of Mendoza | Available in pharmacies only | No information available | - Norgestrel-Max - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 - Segurite UD |
Available with unknown requirements |
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| Armenia | Dedicated product registered. According to 2001 DHS, 22% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 60.5% (2000, WHO) | EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities (no contraceptives available in social marketing/NGO facilities). | No information available | - Escapelle
- Postinor |
Available without prescription |
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| Aruba | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Optinor - Postinor 1 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Australia | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Levonelle-1 - Levonelle-2 - NorLevo 0.75mg - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 |
Available without prescription |
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| Austria | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - Postinor - Postinor 1500 - Vikela |
Available with a prescription |
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| Azerbaijan | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 55.4% (2001, WHO) | EC is not available in the public sector (no contraceptives available in the public sector). EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities (no contraceptives available in social marketing/NGO facilities). | No information available | - Escapelle
- Postinor |
Available without prescription |
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| Bahamas | No information available | No information available | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Bahrain | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Bangladesh | Postinor-2 registered in 1998 after approval from National Technical Committee. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 58.1% (2004, WHO) | Public, private, and NGO clinics, and also from physicians. | Population Council, EngenderHealth, IPPF affiliate (FPAB) | - Postinor-2 |
Available with prescription |
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| Barbados | No documented population policy exists, dedicated product registered | No information available | IPPF affiliate, Population Council | - Postinor-2 |
No information available |
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| Belarus | Dedicated product registered | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available without prescription |
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| Belgium | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - ellaOne - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1 - Postinor 1500 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Belize | No information available | Pharmacies without a prescription | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Benin | NorLevo registered in 2001. According to 2001 DHS, 15% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 18.6% (2001, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription, OCs available in public sector clinics | PSI | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Bermuda | Not registered | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Bhutan | EC included in youth norms and country guidelines. | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Bolivia | Included in MOH norms, Postinor-2, Imediat N, Glanique, and Tace registered in 2004. According to the 2001 DHS, 13% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 58.4% (2003-2004, WHO) | Available in pharmacies. EC is not available in the public sector (no contraceptives available in public sector). EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Ipas, Pathfinder | - Glanique - Imediat N - Impreviat - Pilem - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 - Pregnon - Tace |
Available without prescription |
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| Bosnia and Herzegovina | NorLevo registered in 2004, but EC not currently available. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 47.5% (2000, WHO) | Not available | No information available | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Botswana | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 40.4% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability - Pregnon |
No information available |
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| Brazil | Included in family planning norms & sexual violence norms in 1997 | Providers, pharmacies without a prescription, free of charge to women in public sector | Ipas, IPPF/WHR, Pacific Institute | - Diad - Minipil 2 - Nogravide - Pilem - Poslov - Postinor Uno - Postinor-2 - Pozato - Pozato Uni - PPMS - Prevyol |
Available without a prescription |
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| Brunei | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Bulgaria | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 41.5% (1997, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor Duo |
Available without prescription |
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| Burkina Faso | Component of RH services, NorLevo registered. According to 2001 DHS, 9% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 13.8% (2003, WHO). Current unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 31.1% (2003, DHS). | Pharmacies without a prescription, OCs available at family planning centers | IPPF affiliate (ABBEF, ABCEF) | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Burundi | Recognized as a contraceptive method. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 15.7% (2000, WHO) | No information available | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available with prescription |
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| Cambodia | Women of reproductive age who use a modern family planning method: 27.2% (2005, DHS). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 25.1% (2005, DHS). | No information available | No information available | - Pregnon |
No information available |
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| Cameroon | Included in MOH sectoral policy in 2001, NorLevo registered in 2001. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 26% (2004, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | PSI, IPPF/WHR | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Canada | Dedicated product registered | Pharmacies without a prescription. On May 14, 2008, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) accepted an expert recommendation to change the status of EC, allowing it to be sold in a self-selection area of the pharmacy, close to the dispensary where consultation by a pharmacist is available (Schedule III) | No information available | - NorLevo 0.75mg - Plan B - Plan B Tablets 0.75 mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| Cape Verde | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 52.9% (1998, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Central African Republic | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 27.9% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Chad | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 2.8% (2004, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Chile | Included in FP norms as of 2006, included in Sexual Violence Norms in 2004. | In April 2008, Constitutional Court ruled in favor of a motion to ban free distribution of EC in public family planning programs and services. EC is still available however, and can be purchased in pharmacies with a medical prescription. EC is also available in primary health clinics (as permitted by local legislation), in public and private hospitals, and emergency care clinics for sexual assault survivors. Levonorgestrel 0.75 was included in the Essential Drug List for MoH in 2006. | IPPF/WHR | - Escapel 2 - Escapel-1 - Optinor - Post-Day |
Available with a prescription |
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| China | Dedicated products registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 90.2% (2004, WHO). EC socially marketed by DKT International. | Widely available at FP clinics, pharmacies without a prescription. LNG EC carries a red label meaning it is available behind the counter from a pharmacist, without a prescription. However, they are effectively available over the counter. | WHO/HRP | - An Ting 0.75mg - An Ting 1.5mg - Bi Yun (10mg) - Bi Yun (12.5mg) - Bi Yun (25mg) - Fang Xin - Fu Nai Er - Hou Ding Nuo - Hua Dian - Hui Ting 1.5mg - Hui-Ting 0.75mg - Jin Xiao - Jin Yu Ting - Postinor-2 - Postinor-2 (Bao Shi Ting) - Shi Mi An - Yu-Ting |
Available without a prescription |
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| Colombia | Included in family planning norms & sexual violence norms, dedicated products registered in 2005. According to 2001 DHS, 35% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 78.2% (2004-2005, WHO). EC socially marketed by PROFAMILIA. EC not available in the public sector. | Pharmacies with a prescription | IPPF/WHR | - EMERGYN - Post-Day - Post-Day 1 - Post-Day 2 - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 - Pregnon - Tace |
Available with a prescription |
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| Comoros | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 25.7% (2000, WHO) | No information available | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Congo (Democratic Republic of the, Kinshasa) | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 31.4% (2005, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 24% (2007, DHS). | Pharmacies without a prescription. EC is not available in the public sector or in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Congo (Republic of, Brazzaville) | Registered in 2001. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 44.3% (2005, WHO) | ECs in pharmacies without a prescription, OCs available from IPPF affiliate | IPPF affiliate | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Costa Rica | No EC product approved. EC not included in norms and policies. Total Contraception Prevalence: 80% (1999, WHO) | OCs are available and could be used for Yuzpe method, but knowledge is low. | No information available | - No dedicated EC product available. |
No information available |
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| Croatia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Cuba | Included in FP norms, Postinor-2 registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 73.3% (2000, WHO) | Public health clinics free of charge | No information available | - Postinor |
Available with prescription |
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| Curacao | No information available | Available over the counter in clinics only | No information available | - Postinor 1 |
Available without prescription |
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| Cyprus | Dedicated product registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| Czech Republic | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.0% (1997, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - ellaOne - Escapelle - Postinor-2 |
Available without prescription |
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| Denmark | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Levonelle 1500 - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Djibouti | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Dominica | No information available | No information available | No information available | - Optinor - Postinor 1 |
No information available |
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| Dominican Republic | Included in National RH Guidelines in 1999. Dedicated products registered in 2001. According to 2001 DHS, 31% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 69.8% (2002, WHO) | IPPF affiliate, at pharmacies IPPF affiliate, at pharmacies for $5. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF/WHR | - Evital - Glanique - Imediat N - Impreviat - Post-Day - Postinor 1 - Pregnon - Seguidet |
Available without a prescription |
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| East Timor | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Ecuador | Registered in 2004. Included in National FP norms and Sexual Violence Norms. Constitutional Court case ruled against EC in May 2006. The registered products listed here are not available on the market at this time. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 65.9% (1997, WHO) | Available in pharmacies as of Feb. 2007 | Pathfinder, CEPAM | - Escapel - Glanique - Glanique 1 - Impreviat - Post-Day - Pregnon - Tace |
Available without prescription |
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| Egypt | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 59.2% (2005, WHO). EC socially marketed by DKT International. | unknown | No information available | - Contraplan II - Postinor-2 |
unknown |
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| El Salvador | No information available. | EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available. | - No information on product availability. |
No information available. |
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| Equatorial Guinea | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Eritrea | According to 2001 DHS, 10% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 8.0% (2002, WHO) | No information available | JSI | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Estonia | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor Duo - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Ethiopia | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 14.7% (2005, WHO). Current unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 34% (2005, DHS). EC socially marketed by DKT International. | EC is available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. Available through DKT distribution network. | IPPF/WHR, DKT | - Optinor - Postinor-2 - Postpill |
Available without a prescription |
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| Fiji | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Finland | NorLevo registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - ellaOne - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor 1500 |
Available without a prescription |
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| France | Included in MOH guidelines, Norlevo 1.5mg replaced NorLevo 0.75mg in Oct 2004. | EC is available at pharmacies without a prescription. The cost can be reimbursed when dispensed upon prescription by a physician or a midwife. EC is free of charge for minors and will be dispensed anonymously from pharmacies and will be free of charge (the pharmacist will be paid directly by insurance). EC is also available in family planning centers and high schools, where it is delivered by nurses. | No information available | - Anthia - ellaOne - Levonorgestrel Biogaran 1500 microgram - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| French overseas islands | NorLevo registered | No information available | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| Gabon | NorLevo registered. According to 2001 DHS, 17% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 32.7% (2000, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| Gambia | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 9.6% (2000, WHO) | Prescription only in member associations (IPPF clinic, etc) and pharmacies | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available with prescription |
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| Georgia | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 47.2% (2005, WHO) | EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities (no contraceptives available in social marketing/NGO facilities). | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available with prescription |
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| Germany | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies with a prescription. Non-prescription application denied in 2004 | No information available | - ellaOne - Levogynon - Levogynon 1500 - Unofem |
Available with a prescription |
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| Ghana | Included in National RH Service Policy in April 1996. According to 2001 DHS, 29% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 25.2% (2003, WHO) | Available in pharmacies and clinics. EC is available in the public sector. EC is also available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Pathfinder, Meridian | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
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| Greece | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1500 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Grenada | Not registered | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Guatemala | Included in Reproductive Health Norms, Postinor registered in 2007. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 43.3% (2002, WHO). EC socially marketed by APROFAM. | EC is available in the public sector. EC is also available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - Postinor 1 |
No information available |
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| Guinea Bissau | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 7.6% (2000, WHO) | No information available | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Guinea-Conakry | NorLevo registered in 2001. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 9.1% (2000, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | JSI, IPPF affiliate (AGBEF) | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| Guyana | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 37.3% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Haiti | Included in National FP norms. According to 2001 DHS, 12% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 28.1% (2000, WHO) | Soon to have non-prescription status. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | PSI | - No information on product availability |
Available with unknown requirements |
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| Honduras | Included in National FP norms, Dedicated product registered. EC was banned in Honduras in October 2009. The current law prohibits sale and use of EC. The dedicated products listed below are not available on the market. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 61.8% (2001, WHO). EC socially marketed by the Honduras Social Marketing Program. | OCs- FP clinics | Population Council, IPPF affiliate, PSI | - Plan B - Pregnon |
No information available |
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| Hong Kong | Postinor-2 registered in 2002 | Clinics, pharmacies, hospitals | IPPF affiliate | - Escapelle - Estinor - Postinor-2 |
Available without prescription |
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| Hungary | Dedicated product registered | No information available | No information available | - ellaOne - Escapelle - Rigesoft |
Available without prescription |
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| Iceland | Dedicated products registered | Doctors, school nurses, pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1.5 mg |
Available without a prescription |
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| India | Included in MOH guidelines. EC first registered in India in 2002. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 48.2% (1998-1999, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women of reproductive age: 21.1% (2005, DHS). EC socially marketed by Population Services International and Marie Stopes International. | Over-the-counter in pharmacies. EC is available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Marie Stopes, IPPF affiliate (FPA India), EngenderHealth | - E Pills - ECee2 - i-pill - NorLevo 0.75mg - Pill 72 - Postinor-2 - Preventol |
Available without a prescription |
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| Indonesia | Safety approval from BKKBN, Postinor-2 registered in June 2003. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 60.3% (2002-2003, WHO). EC socially marketed by DKT International. | FP clinics, pharmacies with a prescription | Pacific Institute, PATH | - Postinor-2 |
Available with a prescription |
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| Iran | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.9% (1997, WHO) | EC is available in the private sector for about $0.1 under the name Levonil. It is available in the public sector free of charge, under the name Levonorgestrel. It is included in family planning norms, guidelines, and curriculum. | No information available | - Levonorgestrel - Longil |
No prescription needed. |
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| Iraq | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Ireland | NorLevo 1.5mg replaced NorLevo 0.75mg in Oct 2004, Dedicated products registered. | Available with a prescription | No information available | - Levonelle - Levonelle 1500 - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available with a prescription |
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| Israel | Postinor-2 granted non-prescription status in November 2001 | Pharmacies without a prescription and family planning clinics | No information available | - Postinor New - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Italy | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies with a prescription. Pharmacists are required by law to sell a drug that has been prescribed by a doctor. | No information available | - Levonelle - NorLevo 1.5mg - Unlevo 1500 microgrammi compressa |
Available with a prescription |
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| Ivory Coast | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 15% (1998-1999, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | IPPF/WHR and IPPF affiliate (AIBEF) | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
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| Jamaica | Included in family planning norms. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 65.9% (1997, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | IPPF affiliate, Population Council | - Postinor 2 SD - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
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| Japan | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 55.9% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Jordan | Combined and progestin-only oral contraceptive pills are widely available, so in theory the Yuzpe method is available, but we have no information about knowledge and use. According to 2001 DHS, 13% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 55.8% (2002, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No dedicated EC product available. |
No information available |
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| Kazakhstan | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 66.1% (1999, WHO) | Available without prescription | No information available | - Escapel - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available without prescription |
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| Kenya | Included in national family planning & RH Service Guidelines. Postinor-2 first registered in 1997. According to 2001 DHS, 25% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 39.3% (2003, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 25% (2003, DHS). EC socially marketed by Marie Stopes International. | EC is available from private providers and in pharmacies without a prescription. EC is available in the public sector and in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Population Council, EngenderHealth, PATH, IPPF Affiliate (FHOK) | - ECee2 - Optinor - Postinor-2 - Pregnon - Pregnon (Smart Lady) |
Available without a prescription |
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| Kiribati | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Kuwait | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No dedicated EC product available. |
No information available |
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| Kyrgystan | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 59.5% (1997, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Laos | MOH has not granted permission to import. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 32.2% (2000, WHO) | Availability at pharmacies | No information available | - Duet - No information on product availability |
Available with unknown requirements |
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| Latvia | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor Duo 750 micrograms tablets - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Lebanon | NorLevo available since 2002 | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available with a prescription |
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| Lesotho | NorLevo available (reciprocity with South Africa). Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 37.3% (2004, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Liberia | No information available | EC is not available in the public sector. | No information available | - Optinor |
No information available |
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| Liechtenstein | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Lithuania | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor-2 |
Available with a prescription |
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| Luxembourg | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - ellaOne - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1500 |
Available without a prescription |
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| Madagascar | Approved by MOH, Dedicated products registered. According to 2001 DHS, 6% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 27.1% (2003-2004, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 24% (2004, DHS). | EC in pharmacies with a prescription. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF affiliate, PSI | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Pill 72 - Pregnon |
Available with a prescription |
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| Malawi | According to 2001 DHS, 22% of married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 32.5% (2004, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 28% (2004, DHS). | EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor - Pregnon |
No information available |
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| Malaysia | Included in MOH family planning guidelines | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - Ella - Escapelle - Estinor - Postinor - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Available with a prescription |
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| Maldives | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 42% (1999, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Mali | According to 2001 DHS, 6% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 8.1% (2001, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women of reproductive age: 31.2% (2006, DHS). | Pharmacies without a prescription. EC is available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
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| Malta | MoH refusal to grant MA | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Marshall Islands | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Martinique | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Mauritania | No national family planning policy or program exists but NorLevo was registered in 2001. According to 2001 DHS, 4% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 8.0% (2000-2001, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Mauritius | Included in family planning norms Oct 2004, NorLevo registered in 2001. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 75.9% (2002, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
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| Mexico | Included in family planning norms Oct 2004, incorporated into the basic Medical Guidelines in 2005. Dedicated products registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 68.4% (1997, WHO). EC socially marketed by DKT International. | IPPF affiliate clinics, pharmacies, required to be in-stock at public facilities, available without a prescription to minors | DKT, PIWH, Population Council | - Alterna - Glanique - Ladiades 0.75 - Ladiades 1.5 - Post-Day - Postinor-2 - Postinor-2 Unidosis - Silogin 0.75mg - Silogin 1.5mg - Vika |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Micronesia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Moldova | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 62.4% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
No information available |
| |||||
| Monaco | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Mongolia | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 67.4% (2000, WHO). EC socially marketed by Marie Stopes International. | Pharmacies and private providers | IPPF affilate, UNFPA | - Postinor - Pregnon |
Available without prescription |
| |||||
| Morocco | Dedicated products registered; 2008. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 63% (2003-2004, WHO) | Health centers | IPPF affiliate | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor - Postinor-2 |
Available with unknown requirements |
| |||||
| Mozambique | No specific regulations exist. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 16.5% (2003-2004, WHO) | No information available | Pathfinder, PSI | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Myanmar (Burma) | Approved by National Formulary in 1995, dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 37% (2001, WHO). EC socially marketed by Marie Stopes International and Population Services International. | Pharmacies, clinics and private providers | PSI | - ECee2 - Pill 72 - Postinor - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Officially, EC is available with prescription |
| |||||
| Nauru | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
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| Nepal | EC socially marketed by Nepal Social Marketing and Franchise Project. | EC is not available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - Pregnon |
No information available |
| |||||
| Netherlands | NorLevo registered | Without a prescription in pharmacies, drugstores | No information available | - ellaOne - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor 1500 |
Available without prescription (OTC) |
| |||||
| Netherlands Antilles | Dedicated product registered | No information available | No information available | - Postinor 1 |
No information available |
| |||||
| New Zealand | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - Levonelle - Levonelle-1 - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Nicaragua | Included in National FP norms in 1997. According to 2001 DHS, 19% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 68.6% (2001, WHO) | Few providers, available in pharmacies. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Ipas, PATH, Pacific Institute | - PPMS - Prikul |
Available without prescription |
| |||||
| Niger | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 14% (2000, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Nigeria | Postinor registered in 1998. According to 2001 DHS, 14% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 12.6% (2003, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 20% (2008, DHS). EC socially marketed by Society for Family Health with technical assistance from Population Services International. | Few providers, available in pharmacies. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | WHO/HRP, EngenderHealth, IPPF affiliate, PSI affiliate | - Postinor - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Norway | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription directly off the shelf | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1.5 mg |
Available without a prescription (OTC) |
| |||||
| Oman | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Pakistan | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 27.6% (2000-2001, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among currently married women: 24.9% (2006, DHS). EC socially marketed by Population Services International and Greenstar Social Marketing. | Pharmacies, Greenstar FP Clinics. EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | PSI | - EC - ECP - Emkit - Emkit Plus - Postinor-2 |
Available with prescription |
| |||||
| Palau | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip) | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Panama | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Papua New Guinea | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Paraguay | Included in national family planning norms in 1998. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.8% (2004, WHO). EC socially marketed by Population Services International. | Pharmacies with a prescription, private providers. EC is available and free of charge for women in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | PSI | - Control NF - Imediat N - Postinor-2 - Pregnon - Pronta |
Available with a prescription |
| |||||
| Peru | Included in family planning (2001) and Sexual Violence norms (date unknown). Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 70.5% (2003-2004). EC socially marketed by APPRENDE. | Available nationwide in pharmacies, prescription required by law. Available in the public sector. | Pathfinder | - Auxxil - D-Sigyent - Dia-Post - Dia-Post Gold - Emkit - Glanique - Glanique 0.75 - Glanix - Gynotrel 2 - Impreviat - L Novafem - Levonorgestrel - LNG-Method 5 - Mergynex - Nogestrol - NorLevo 0.75mg - Nortrel 2 - Novanor 2 - Pill 72 - Pillex - Post-Day - Post-Day 0.75 - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 - Pregnon - Prevemb - Preventol - Safex - Tace - Velor - Zintemore |
Available with a prescription |
| |||||
| Philippines | Postinor "delisted" by BFAD in 12/01. According to 2001 DHS, 10% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 48.9% (1998-1999, WHO) | EC is not available | Pacific Institute | - No EC product currently available. |
No information available |
| |||||
| Poland | Dedicated product registered | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor Duo |
No information available |
| |||||
| Portugal | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1500 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Qatar | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 43.2% (1998, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Republic of Korea | Approved by Pharmaceautical Safety Bureau. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 80.5% (1997, WHO) | Pharmacies with a prescription, official statement against over-the-counter switch | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor 1 |
Available with a prescription |
| |||||
| Romania | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 63.8% (1999, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor-2 |
Available without prescription |
| |||||
| Russia | Dedicated products registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.8% (1999, WHO) | EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - Escapel - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available with unknown requirements |
| |||||
| Rwanda | According to 2001 DHS, 12% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 13.2% (2000, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women: 38% (2008, DHS). | EC is not available in the public sector. EC is available from social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
| |||||
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Saint Lucia | No information available | Available over the counter through emergency units and private and public pharmacies. SLPPA sole distributor, in drug formulary. | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Samoa | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| San Marino | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Sao Tome and Principe | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 29.3% (2000, WHO) | over the counter in one clinic and ASPF drugstore. Frequently out of stock since it's the only provider in the country. | IPPF/WHR | - Optinor |
No information available |
| |||||
| Saudi Arabia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability - Postinor-2 |
No information available |
| |||||
| Senegal | NorLevo registered in 2001. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 11.8% (2005, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women: 32% (2005, DHS). | Pharmacies without a prescription. EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | IPPF affiliate, Population Council | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Serbia/Montenegro | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 58.3% (2000, WHO) | Available without prescription | No information available | - Escapelle tablets - Postinor-2 |
Available without prescription |
| |||||
| Seychelles | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Sierra Leone | no information available | no information available | no information available | - Fertilan |
no information available |
| |||||
| Singapore | Regulated, no MOH guidelines, Estinor and NorLevo registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 62% (1997, WHO) | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - Ella - Estinor - Postinor-2 |
Available with a prescription |
| |||||
| Slovakia | Dedicated products registered | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - ellaOne - Escapelle - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Slovenia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle 1.5 mg tableta - NorLevo 0.75mg |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Solomon Islands | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Somalia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| South Africa | Contraceptive Policy Guidelines, dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 56.3% (1998, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription, public clinics | IPPF affiliate, Population Council | - Escapel - Escapelle - NorLevo 0.75mg |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Spain | Dedicated products registered | Since 2009, EC is available in Spain without a prescription. | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1500 |
No prescription required. |
| |||||
| Sri Lanka | NorLevo and Postinor-2 registered in 1997. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 70% (2000, WHO). EC socially marketed by the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and Marie Stopes International. | Pharmacies without a prescription, public and private clinics | IPPF affiliate | - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Sudan | Some dedicated EC product available from UN in rape kits. EC is only approved for use in cases of rape. Often Yuzpe method is used. | No information available | No information available | - No dedicated EC product available. |
No information available |
| |||||
| Suriname | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 42.1% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Postinor 1 |
No information available |
| |||||
| Swaziland | Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 27.7% (2000, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Sweden | Dedicated products registered | Over-the-counter in pharmacies | No information available | - ellaOne - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor - Postinor 1.5 mg |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Switzerland | Dedicated products registered | EC has been available in pharmacies without a prescription since 2001, for women 16 and older. Pharmacist counsels woman personally. | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Syria | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No dedicated EC product available. |
No information available |
| |||||
| Taiwan | NorLevo currently undergoing a re-registration process. Postinor-2 registered in 2002. | Pharmacies with a prescription | No information available | - Escapelle - NorLevo 1.5mg - Postinor-2 |
Available with a prescription |
| |||||
| Tajikistan | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 33.9% (2003, WHO) | Pharmacies without prescription | No information available | - Escapelle - Optinor - Postinor |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Tanzania | Included in family planning practice guidelines. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 26.4% (2004-2005, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women: 20% (2004, DHS). | Providers & youth services. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | PSI | - No information on product availability |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Thailand | National family planning program, but MOH supportive, Madonna registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.2% (1996-1997, WHO) | Hospitals, pharmacies without a prescription | Population Council, JSI | - Madonna - Postinor - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Togo | NorLevo registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 25.7% (2000, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women of reproductive age: 40.6% (2006, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey). | Pharmacies without prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg - Optinor |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Tonga | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Trinidad and Tobago | Postinor-2 registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 38.2% (2000, WHO) | FP clinics & most pharmacies | Population Council | - Postinor 2 SD - Postinor-2 |
Available with unknown requirements |
| |||||
| Tunisia | No information available | No information available | No information available | - NorLevo 1.5mg |
Available directly from pharmacist without prescription |
| |||||
| Turkey | Dedicated products registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 63.9% (1998, WHO) | Pharmacies without a prescription | No information available | - NorLevo 0.75mg |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Turkmenistan | No information available | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
No information available |
| |||||
| Tuvalu | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Uganda | According to 2001 DHS, 10% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 22.8% (2000-2001, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women: 41% (2006, DHS). May 2002, a PSI campaign ended and Vikela was no longer available in the public or private sectors. ECPs, however, remained in the FP guidelines. | EC is available in the private and public sectors. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | Pop Council and ECafrique | - Postinor-2 - Pregnon |
Available without perscription |
| |||||
| Ukraine | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 67.5% (1999, WHO) | Available without prescription. EC is not available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
Available without prescription |
| |||||
| United Arab Emirates | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| United Kingdom | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 84% (2002, WHO) | EC is available at pharmacies without a prescription, though some pharmacists will not provide EC to women under 16. Pharmacist will see the woman before issuing. | No information available | - ellaOne - Levonelle 1500 - Levonelle One Step - Levonelle-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| United States | Dedicated product registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 72.9% (2002, WHO) | As of November 2006, Plan B is available in pharmacies without a prescription (18 year olds or older) following USFDA decision in August 2006. Generic product NextChoice also available without a prescription for 18 and older as of 2009. Ella, approved August 2010, is available only by prescription. | NA | - Ella - Next Choice - Plan B - Plan B One-Step |
EC available from certain pharmacists without a prescription in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Washington |
| |||||
| Uruguay | No formal FP norms exist | No information available | No information available | - Evitaren - Imediat N - Postinor-2 - Prikul - Secufem |
No information available |
| |||||
| Uzbekistan | Dedicated product registered. According to 2001 DHS, 10% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 67.7% (2002, WHO) | No information available | No information available | - Escapelle - Postinor |
No information available |
| |||||
| Vanuatu | No information available | No information available | No information available | - No information on product availability |
No information available |
| |||||
| Venezuela | EC socially marketed by PROSALUD. | Available over-the-counter in pharmacies. | No information available | - Glanique - NorLevo 0.75mg - Postinor 1 - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Vietnam | Included in National RH Standards and Guidelines. Dedicated products registered. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 78.5% (2002, WHO) | FP clinics, without a prescription at pharmacies | PATH | - Escapelle - Postinor-2 |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Yemen | Registered with Supreme Board of Drugs. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 20.8% (1997, WHO) | EC is available in the public and private sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | No information available | - Postinor-2 |
Available with unknown requirements |
| |||||
| Zambia | MOH FP Guidelines in March 1997, FP guidelines updated in 2006. According to 2001 DHS, 10% of currently married women know of EC. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 34.2% (2001-2002, WHO). Unmet need for contraception among married women: 27% (2007, DHS). | Private clinics, available from pharmacies without a prescription. EC is available in the public sector. EC is not available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | JSI, IPPF affiliate, PSI (Society for Family Health), Ecafrique | - Lenor 72 - Pregnon |
Available without a prescription |
| |||||
| Zimbabwe | Included in MOH FP Guidelines. Total Contraceptive Prevalence: 53.5% (1999, WHO). EC socially marketed by Population Services International. | EC is not available in the public sector. EC is available in social marketing/NGO facilities. | PSI | - Postinor-2 |
Available with unknown requirements |
| |||||
