Improving access to emergency contraception

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Effective access to emergency contraception requires that it be readily available, quickly, regardless of a woman's age. It must be accessible to rural as well as urban women and to women of limited financial means. Finally, it must be accessible in a way that respects women's right to privacy, as well as their right to freely make informed health care choices. The use of emergency contraception represents a responsible and informed decision by a woman seeking to prevent an unintended pregnancy and must be respected as such.

Women and Health Protection (WHP) and the Canadian Women's Health Network (CWHN) want access to emergency contraception to be improved. A lack of awareness about emergency contraception, the costs of obtaining it, and existing regulations unnecessarily restrict this access.

As a first step in improving access, we are planning to submit a request to Canadian regulatory authorities for Plan B to become an "off-schedule" medication, available for sale at any retail outlet. We invite and encourage you to give your support to this position.

For more details, and to join our initiative, see www.whp-apsf.ca or contact: 1-888-818-9172.

Emergency contraception: The Facts

What it is: The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), also known as Plan B or "the morning after pill," is a hormonal product, taken orally, to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. This same hormone is used in some birth control pills.

Effectiveness: ECP has been shown to have an overall 89% rate of effectiveness if used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. The rate climbs to 95% if the medication is taken within 24 hours of intercourse, but it drops to only 58% if taken more than 49 hours after intercourse. Some experts have noted that ECP can provide benefit if taken up to 5 days after intercourse.

Safety record: ECP is safe. There have been no reports of deaths or other serious consequences from taking Plan B. Pregnancy is listed as a contraindication only because, like all contraceptives, ECP will not work if a woman is already pregnant. If a woman takes ECP while pregnant, it will not affect her pregnancy and it will not harm the fetus. ECP does not cause an abortion.

Side effects: Women using Plan B may have side effects like nausea, diarrhea and spotting. Their period may come early or late and look a little different.

Ease of use: No individualized instruction is needed when taking ECP because the dose is identical for all women. Explanations for use are simple and easy to follow.

Other jurisdictions: Women have direct access to ECP in a growing number of countries, including Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, UK, and Vietnam.