Emergency Contraception and Women's Health: From Policy and Politics to Practice

Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective form of contraception that is 75%-89% effective in preventing pregnancies within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. Wider access to EC has the potential to decrease the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously denied any over-the-counter (OTC) access to EC and only recently approved it for OTC status for women 18 years old and over; therefore, pharmacists continue to play a critical role in providing access to EC. Pharmacists can answer women's questions, dispel misconceptions, and provide important information about the medication to clients. Although EC is a safe medication, many pharmacists, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals have either refused to dispense EC or have refused to carry and stock EC which all have major implications for public health and access to care for women, children, and families.

EC policy has come a long way since 1960s when packets of birth control pills were cut up to dispense the required dose to women at feminist, college health, and Planned Parenthood clinics. The history of EC policy and politics has been wrought with road blocks based on moral declarations and has lacked sound scientific evidence. Although the new legislation is a positive step for women's health and women's rights, it is not enough. This presentation will provide the learner with an understanding of EC history, policy, and politics, and will assess how current policy and refusals by healthcare professionals may impact women's health.