title: The next step for emergency contraception: over-the-counter availability.
abstract: Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after episodes of unprotected sexual intercourse has existed since ancient times. Modern medicine began to use hormonal methods in the 1960s, and today emergency contraception is used regularly in many countries. In the United States, providers do not routinely prescribe it, nor do they adequately inform their patients that it is available. This occurs even though sufficient information exists on the safety and efficacy of this method. Because the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills relies heavily on prompt administration, better access for patients is essential. Recently, proponents of emergency contraception have attempted to better inform the public of this resource. In addition, two oral contraceptive products are now available and marketed specifically for emergency contraception. The purpose of this article is to discuss the safety and efficacy of emergency contraceptive pills and the potential for them to become available without a prescription.
authors.affiliation: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Graduate Program in Nursing, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: O'Callaghan
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Andrist
mesh_terms: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014933:Women's Rights
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs