In recent years, emergency contraception pills, or what is commonly known as the “morning-after pill,” have become easier to obtain from hospitals, pharmacies and Planned Parenthood facilities across the country. This form of birth control may soon become accessible over-the-counter.
The “morning-after pill” is a form of emergency contraception containing high levels of progesterone, a hormone that, if taken within five days of intercourse, prevents ovulation, which in turn greatly reduces the chance of pregnancy. The distribution of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) has been controversial in the past, according to Joan Sullivan-Lipset, an adult nurse practitioner at the Lane Health Center.
“It was very hard to obtain before. Many emergency rooms wouldn’t provide it, and instead would refer people to Planned Parenthood,” Sullivan-Lipset said. “In my experience working at an ER, we did not give it, even if women were raped. People weren’t comfortable with it, and everyone was nervous.”
Part of the stigma surrounding ECPs since its early development is the misconception that the pill is a form of abortion. However, studies conducted have shown that this is not the case, thus prompting an official approval from the Federal Drug Administration in October of 1997.
According to Sullivan-Lipset, the pill has compiled an impressive safety record.
“There have been virtually no documented incidents of any negative side effects, including blood clots, which is a common side effect of the regular birth control pills,” she said.
Although there are concerns from many doctors that the hormones in this pill might contribute to the risk of breast and cervical cancer, the hormones are proven to offer significant protection against ovarian and uterine cancer.
Despite its apparant lack of negative side effects, many concerns about making emergency contraception so easily accessible still remain.
“Studies have not bore this out, but some people’s perception is that women will think they don’t need to use condoms because they can just take emergency contraception within five days,”
