All the below information is from the EC website. To go directly to the website go to www.backupyourbirthcontrol.org. To find them on facebook click here.
WHAT IS EC?
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, sometimes also known as the "morning after pill,", 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," MifeprexTM(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 17 or older and have identification, EC is available over-the-counter at pharmacies under the brand names Plan B® One-Step and Next ChoiceTM. Young women under 17 still need a prescription from a doctor or other health care provider in order to buy EC at the pharmacy, except in a few states which have special pharmacy access legislation. Women who live in AK, CA, HI, MA, ME, NH, NM, VT and WA, can get EC directly from a local pharmacy regardless of their age.
HOW TO GET EC
EC, sold under the brand names Plan B® One-Step and Next ChoiceTM, is now available without a prescription for women and men age 17 and older at pharmacies across the United States!
If you are 17 or older and have government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, green card, etc.), you can buy EC over-the-counter at pharmacies, where it is sold under the brand names Plan B® One-Step and Next ChoiceTM. The cost of Plan B® One-Step ranges between $35-60. The cost of the generic Next ChoiceTM averages 10-20% less at $30-55. Emergency contraception is kept behind-the-counter so you will need to ask the pharmacist for a pack and present your identification in order to obtain it. To find a pharmacy where you can get EC, visit Plan B® One-Step's Pharmacy Locator.
How can I obtain EC if I'm under 17?
Young women under 17 still need a prescription from a doctor or other health care provider in order to buy EC at the pharmacy, except in a few states which have special pharmacy access legislation. Women who live in AK, CA, HI, MA, ME, NH, NM, VT and WA, can get EC directly from a local pharmacy regardless of their age.
Remember, the sooner you take EC the better it works. So if you're under 17 and need to get a prescription for EC, contact your health care provider's office right away. Some providers might ask you to come in for a visit, while others might be able to call in a prescription for you. If you don't have a health care provider, visit the Emergency Contraception website: www.not-2-late.com (also available in Spanish, French or Arabic).
How can I find an EC provider near me? What if I don't have a government issued ID proving my age? What if I can't afford the price of a pack of EC?
Don't worry - you can still get emergency contraception! To find an EC provider near you, many of whom can help you access low-cost or even free EC, visit the Emergency Contraception website.
For more information on why EC is kept "behind-the-counter" and advocacy efforts to make EC truly available over-the-counter, read our EC Behind-the-Counter Fact Sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment