Emergency Contraception

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FACTS ABOUT EMERGENCY BIRTH CONTROL

In April 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded Plan B® (emergency birth control) availability to include consumers ages 17 and older (previously it was 18 and older). Below is some more information about emergency birth control including what it is,when to use it, where to get it and what it costs.

What is Emergency Birth Control?

Also known as the "morning-after" pill or Plan B® , emergency birth control pills are a safe and reliable way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
Emergency birth control contains a concentrated dose of the same hormone found in regular birth control pills.
Emergency birth control WILL NOT cause an abortion (it is NOT the abortion pill).
Emergency birth control should be a back-up to your regular method of birth control and it DOES NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS.

When Do I Use Emergency Birth Control?

Within 5 days after having unprotected sex, but the sooner you take it, the more likely it will prevent a pregnancy.
If you didn't use any birth control.
If the condom broke.
If you missed 2 or more birth control pills or you started your pack late.
If your diaphragm slipped.
If you were forced to have sex.

Where Can I Get Emergency Birth Control?

Women 17 or older:

Emergency birth control can be obtained at pharmacies, family planning clinics, county health departments and many school clinics. Click here to see a list of providers by county in West Virginia.

Emergency birth control is available at no or low cost at family planning clinics. Click here to find a clinic near you.

Women 16 or younger:

Call your regular doctor or nurse practitioner, local family planning clinic, student health center, health department, or urgent care center to find out if they provide emergency birth control pills.

Call your local health department. These clinics provide family planning and STD services, including most methods of contraception, to women of all ages. To find the nearest clinic, please visit the Family Planning Program website.

Visit www.not-2-late.com to find the nearest clinic, doctor, or nurse practitioner who will give you a prescription for emergency birth control pills. You simply type in your zip code

What Is the Cost of Emergency Birth Control?

At a pharmacy, emergency birth control pills cost between $30-$55.
If you are on Medicaid, you can go to a family planning clinic or local
health department and obtain a prescription for emergency birth control that you can take to a pharmacy and get emergency birth control for free.
If you are not on Medicaid, you can go to a family planning clinic or health department and get emergency birth control at a lower cost or for free.

What If I Need Emergency Birth Control Because I Was Sexually Assaulted?

If you have been sexually assaulted or raped you may be worried about pregnancy.
You can go to the nearest hospital emergency room to get emergency birth control.
In West Virginia emergency rooms have strict policies requiring provision of emergency birth control to young women who have been raped or sexually assaulted if they ask for it. ASK FOR IT!

Sexual Assault Resources

If you are in immediate danger or want to report a rape, call 911.

Hotlines, Web Sites, and Telephone Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline: 1.800.656.4673 (24/7) or find a local crisis center at www.rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233 or 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) for local resources and confidential counseling
National Anti-Violence Prevention Hotline: 1.800.616.4283
National Organization for Victim Assistance: 1.703.535.NOVA; www.try-nova.org

Web Site Resources for Direct Services

Foundation for Rape Information Services: www.fris.org.
State by State Resources: www.feminist.org/911/

Information contributed by The Pharmacy Access Partnership and Advocates for Youth.