Access to Plan B in NC Pharmacies
Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, can be an effective method of preventing an unintended pregnancy if a woman’s primary contraceptive method fails or if she has unprotected sex, whether it be consensual or a case of sexual assault. EC is a concentrated dose of ordinary birth control pills that significantly reduces a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant if taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. EC is not the same as mifepristone (RU-486). EC does not cause abortion; rather, it prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. In fact, EC does not work if a woman is already pregnant. EC is safe and effective and does not lead to riskier sexual behavior for women. As of August 2006, people who are at least 18 years of age can purchase EC over-the-counter. In early 2007, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina Foundation conducted a survey on access to EC in North Carolina pharmacies as well as pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes concerning EC. The survey resulted in the following findings: · Nearly one-fourth of pharmacists surveyed stated that EC was the same as the abortion pill, with nearly 5% stating that EC caused an abortion. · Nearly one-third of pharmacists surveyed were unaware that EC is effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. · Only 1 pharmacist out of the 583 surveyed was aware that EC is effective up to 120 hours. · 11% of pharmacists surveyed would require a prescription for all women seeking EC. · Forty percent of pharmacists surveyed did not have EC in stock. · Only 57% of rural pharmacies had EC in stock at the time of the survey. · Quoted prices for EC differed vastly from $20 up to $500. · Among pharmacies that did not stock EC at the time of the survey, over 30% refused to order it. · Among pharmacies willing to order EC, there was usually a 2 day wait for the medication. · Nearly 87% of pharmacies required some form of identification, with several requesting a signature. These results demonstrate both a lack of knowledge and access to EC in North Carolina pharmacies, particularly in rural areas. Women who wish to access EC after unprotected intercourse face many barriers, including inaccurate information and lack of availability. These findings reveal the need for continued education about EC and improved access to this time-sensitive medication. Click here to read the full report released in June 2007.
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