Title: Easy EC access doesn't increase risky behavior.

POPLINE Document Number: 281909

Source citation:

Contraceptive Technology Update, 2005 Mar;26(3):[2] p..

Abstract:

If it were easier for women to obtain emergency contraception (EC), would it result in an increase in unprotected intercourse, cause women to forego their current method of contraception, or increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Apparently not, according to the findings of a just-published study. Women enrolled at four California women’s health clinics were randomly assigned to one of three EC sources: the clinic, nearby pharmacies without a prescription, or an advance supply of pills. Researchers found about the same percentage of women in each group had unprotected sex over a six-month period, incidents of sexually transmitted disease were equal, and about the same percentage in each group became pregnant. About 37% of women in the group with advance EC used it at least once during the six months, compared with 21% in the clinic access group and 24% in the pharmacy access group. The results counter concerns voiced by opponents to expanded EC access, who have claimed that easier access will lead to increases in sexual promiscuity and STDs. Such concerns may have lead the Food and Drug Administration to issue an initial rejection to Pomona, NY-based Barr Pharmaceuticals’ application to move its levonorgestrel-only EC pill Plan B to over-the-counter (OTC) status. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
California
Research Report
Clinical Trials
Women
Sexual Intercourse
Risk Behavior
Emergency Contraception
Program Accessibility
Risk Reduction Behavior
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Clinical Research
Research Methodology
Demographic Factors
Population
Reproduction
Behavior
Contraception
Family Planning
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration