CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Emergency Contraception

In 2003, Children by Choice and other reproductive and women’s health organisations campaigned to make emergency contraception available from pharmacists without a doctor’s prescription.

From 1 January 2004, Emergency Contraception is now available over the counter at pharmacies in Australia.  Up until 31 December 2003, emergency contraception was only available via doctor’s prescription. From the 1^st January 2004, Australian women no longer require a doctor’s prescription and can obtain Emergency Contraception directly from pharmacists.

Why is access to Emergency contraception important?

Emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if contraception fails (e.g. missed pills, condom breakage) if taken soon after the act.

To be effective in preventing pregnancy, emergency contraception must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is most effective if it taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, when it is estimated that it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95%. If it is taken 48-72 hours after unprotected sex, its effectiveness reduces to 58%. It is hoped that making Emergency Contraception more easily available will mean that women can access the medication earlier.

In Australia, Emergency Contraception is sold as Postinor-2. It comes in a two-dose pack – each dose containing 0.75mg Levonorgestrel (a progestin). The recommended price is around $28. Emergency Contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and it is recommended that women who have experienced unprotected sex see their doctor for a sexual health check up.

Improved access to Emergency Contraception won’t reduce contraception rates

International research shows that making emergency contraception more easily available does not cause women to give up their regular contraception. Rather, women are more likely to access the medication when needed therefore reducing the likelihood of unplanned pregnancy.

Still having problems getting the ‘morning after pill’?

Some pharmacists and doctors refuse to provide the morning after pill.  Have you had problems accessing emergency contraception from your pharmacist or doctor?  Please let us know – email our campaign coordinator.  Your information will remain confidential, but will enable Children by Choice to continue to advocate to expand access to this medication.