Title: Emergency contraception. State policies in brief as of August 16, 2005.

POPLINE Document Number: 290074

Corporate Author(s):

Alan Guttmacher Institute [AGI]

Source citation:

New York, New York, AGI, 2005 Aug 16. [3] p.

Abstract:

Emergency contraception (EC)—a concentrated dose of the hormone found in many regular birth control pills—can prevent pregnancy when taken shortly after unprotected intercourse (most effectively, within 72 hours). Like regular birth control pills, EC prevents pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. State policymakers have focused on two approaches to promoting access to EC requiring the provision of EC-related services in hospital emergency rooms to women who have been sexually assaulted; and allowing pharmacists to provide EC without a prescription under the aegis of a specific collaborative practice agreement with a physician or in accordance with a state-approved protocol. A few states have moved to limit access to EC by restricting state Medicaid family planning eligibility expansions or contraceptive coverage mandates. In addition, some states allow medical professionals, including pharmacists, to refuse to provide contraceptive services. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Data Collection
Data Reporting
Emergency Contraception
Legislation
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Research Methodology
Contraception
Family Planning