1) What is Emergency Contraception?

• EC is the only contraceptive method that can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
  
  
• EC has been proven to be safe and effective.
  
  
• EC has been in use for over 30 years.

2) What EC Methods Are Currently Available?

• Emergency contraceptive pills (branded products containing the progestin levonorgestrel)
  
  
• Regular birth control pills taken at higher doses (sometimes referred to as the Yuzpe regimen)
  
  
• The copper intrauterine device (IUD)

3) Why is EC Access Critical?

• EC is the only method that can be used after unprotected sex or method failure to prevent pregnancy.
  
  
• EC should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
  
  
• Greater access to EC can lead to reductions in unintended pregnancies and abortions.
  
  
• Women have a right to know about EC as a contraceptive option and to know where they can seek services in a timely manner.

4) Access to EC in 2006

• Branded EC pill products are registered in 117 countries.
  
  
• Oral contraceptives suitable for the Yuzpe regimen are available in all countries.
  
  
• Currently, women in 44 developed and developing countries can obtain EC pills directly from a pharmacist without a prescription.
  
  
• Wider over-the-counter availability of EC pills would make EC more accessible to women.
  
  
• Access for most women around the world remains limited.

5) EC Pill Facts

• Side effects are generally mild.
  
  
• Menses should come around the expected time.
  
  
• Not intended for regular contraceptive use.
  
  
• Does not protect against STIs.
  
  
• All women can use EC pills as an emergency method.
  
  
• EC should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but is effective for as much as 120 hours. (WHO, 2002)

6) Is EC Safe?

• EC is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
  
  
• Repeat use of EC poses no health risk to women. (WHO, 1998)
  
  
• EC pills are safe for self-administration. (Raymond, Dalebout, Camp, 2002)
  
  
• EC does not interfere with an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.
  (Bacic et. al., 1970)

7) How Does EC Access Effect Contraceptive Behaviors?

Studies indicate that adult and adolescent women who use EC:

• Do not abandon ongoing contraception
  
  
• Do not engage in unprotected sex more frequently
  
  
• Do not repeat EC use
  
  
• Do not decrease use of condoms
  (Glasier & Baird, 1998)

8) What is the Potential Health Impact of EC?

• Increased access to EC helped avert an estimated 51,000 abortions in the US in 2000. (Boonstra, 2002)
  
  
• Of the 11% decrease of abortions in the US between 1994 and 2000, it was estimated that 43% of the decline could be attributed to EC use. (Jones R, Darroch J, Henshaw S, December 2002)
  
  
• A WHO study in China estimated that EC could help reduce abortions by 50%. (WHO, 2001)