Get Emergency Contraception
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Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (also known as “EC” and the “morning after pill”) can significantly reduce your risk of unintended pregnancy if taken within the first 120 hours following unprotected sex, or if your birth control method fails.  It is most effective if taken within 72 hours.

EC is available without prescription for anyone 18 years and older with a valid ID (including men). You can just walk into any PPHS health center to purchase.  If you do not have a Planned Parenthood near you, CVS, Walmart, Target and Walgreens also carry it over-the-counter.

If a prescription is needed (you are 17 years old or younger), here are 4 ways to get EC at PPHS:

  1. Walk-in Visit:  Just walk into any PPHS health center during normal business hours for your assessment and medication all in one visit! This is generally a very quick visit, but depending on the time and day that you walk in, there may be a wait.  You can check on this by calling ahead, if desired.

  2. Appointment: 
    1. Call and schedule an appointment for an EC visit in any of our centers.  Scheduling an appointment will reduce any potential waiting involved in the walk-in option. 
    2. Ask for education and a prescription for EC during any medical visit to our center.  We highly recommend having a prescription on file and having an EC kit at home in your medicine cabinet, just in case you need it.  It is a great way to back up your regular birth control method.
  3. Telephone:  Just dial your local PPHS health center or dial toll free 1-800-230-PLAN to reach the PP health center nearest you. PPHS also offers EC assessments by phone.  If you choose the telephone assessment, you can come to our health center to pick up your prescription, or have us call in the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.  (Bankcard/ VISA/MasterCard required for EC by telephone.)
  4. Web: Click here to order online.
    For online emergency contraception purchases, all sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

 

Here are some common questions and answers about Emergency Contraception (EC). To obtain EC quickly, call your local Planned Parenthood.

Q: What is emergency contraception?

A It's a pill you can take after you have unprotected sex that can reduce your chances of getting pregnant if taken within the next 5 days. If taken during the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, the pills work 95% of the time to prevent a pregnancy from starting.

Q: Where can I get it? Is it expensive?

A You can get it at Planned Parenthood, and at some pharmacies. And it's not expensive!
Emergency Contraception costs $19 - $45.00 at Planned Parenthood Health Systems.  Please call your local health center for current prices.

Q: Is Emergency Contraception the same thing as the abortion pill, that RU-486 stuff?

A Nope. EC contains the same hormones that are in regular birth control pills. If you're already pregnant, EC won't cause you to have an abortion. 

Q: Where can I get more information?

A At http://ec.princeton.edu or http://www.backupyourbirthcontrol.org

 

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