title: Over-the-counter access to emergency contraception without age restriction: an opinion of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
abstract: Family planning remains a high priority area for the United States, with goals to increase the proportion of pregnancies that are intended, reduce pregnancy rates among adolescents, and increase contraceptive use prioritized in the Healthy People 2020 objectives. Contraception intended for use after unprotected intercourse, known as emergency contraception, remains underutilized. Levonorgestrel is one method of oral emergency contraception, which prevents fertilization and does not disrupt an already established pregnancy; thus, timing of administration is critical. Despite data demonstrating safety and efficacy, evidence-based decision making has been overshadowed by politically charged actions involving levonorgestrel emergency contraception for over a decade. The Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy supports expanded access to levonorgestrel emergency contraception and removal of barriers such as age restrictions on the nonprescription drug product. Pharmacists remain a key provider of emergency contraceptive services and can help ensure timely access. In states where direct pharmacy access to emergency contraception is available, pharmacists are encouraged to participate. Education, research, and advocacy are other important responsibilities for pharmacists in this arena.
authors: University of California San Diego Health System, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Sally
authors: S
authors: Rafie
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: McIntosh
authors: Debra K
authors: DK
authors: Gardner
authors: Kristen M
authors: KM
authors: Gawronski
authors: Lamis R
authors: LR
authors: Karaoui
authors: Erin R
authors: ER
authors: Koepf
authors: Katherine Joy
authors: KJ
authors: Lehman
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: McBane
authors: Nima M
authors: NM
authors: Patel-Shori
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D033161:Government Regulation; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012957:Societies, Pharmaceutical; D014481:United States; D014932:Women's Health Services
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D016912:Levonorgestrel