Discussion of emergency contraception may bring up issues of sexuality, contraception, youth, and unwanted pregnancy - all of which can arouse strong feelings, and even discomfort, for many people. As a result, dialogue about EC can be polarized and sometimes falls back on religious or moral positions. There can often be misunderstanding about how emergency contraception works, and confusion between EC and mifepristone, the so-called "abortion pill." In such situations, scientific evidence can be swept aside or misinterpreted. The International Consortium on EC believes it is important that the scientific evidence and research on EC is clearly presented and accessible to all.

ICEC seeks to provide clarity and an evidence base for discussions and advocacy around emergency contraception, offering science-based answers to questions like "How does EC work?" and "Does access to EC affect sexual behavior?" Multiple sources of technical and scientific information are available on this site. All ICEC materials reflect the latest research, are reviewed by technical experts, and are based on consensus.

• ICEC has created Policy Statements covering important technical issues: recommendations about the regimen (how EC should be taken, and the time frame in which it is effective), evidence about the safety of repeated use of EC, strategies to increase access, the difference between EC and medical abortion, and the mechanism of action by which EC works.
  
  
• ICEC works with the World Health Organization (WHO) to compile scientific articles on EC. Key information and abstracts of these articles can be searched in our database.

• ICEC's Medical and Service Delivery Guidelines give health care providers and others all the information they need to start offering EC to clients. Over 15,000 copies of these guidelines are in distribution worldwide and have been used in countless programs and clinics.