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Emergency Contraception (EC) is a back-up birth control method, as opposed to a regular birth control method like condoms, hormonal contraception, IUD placement, etc
- EC, also known as the “morning after pill” and by the brand name Plan B®, is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy AFTER unprotected sex or the failure of other birth control methods.
- EC is a higher dosage of the same hormones found in many types of regular birth control pills.
- When used within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex or birth control failure, EC can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or the failure of other birth control methods. So don’t wait!
- EC is NOT the “abortion pill,” Mifeprex™(mifepristone) or RU-486. EC will not terminate an existing pregnancy. EC will not work if a woman is already pregnant and EC will not cause birth defects if a woman takes it when she is already pregnant. EC will not affect a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant in the future.
- For women and men who are 18 or older and have identification, EC is available over-the-counter at pharmacies under the brand name Plan B®. In most states, young women age 17 and younger need a prescription from a health care provider to obtain EC at a pharmacy.
- *In AK, CA, HI, MA, ME, NH, NM, VT and WA, women can obtain EC directly from their local pharmacy regardless of their age.
For more on EC, check out the Fact Sheet on Emergency Contraception.
Additional Resources:
Medical Organizations
Advocacy Organizations
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