Q: What is Emergency Contraception?

A: Emergency Contraception (EC) is a safe and effective form of hormonal birth control that a woman can use to prevent pregnancy after sex. EC can work up to five (5) days after unprotected sex, but it’s more effective the sooner it’s taken. EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 90% if taken within the first 12 hours, 75% if taken within the first 72 hours and 60% if taken within 120 hours (ACOG, 2005).

Q: Are there other names for EC?
A: EC is also known as the Morning-After Pill or Plan B®.

Q: How does EC work?
A: EC may work one of two ways. EC can delay or prevent ovulation so there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize so no chance for pregnancy to occur. EC can also keep the sperm from reaching the egg by changing the woman’s vaginal and uterine lining. These combined make it harder for pregnancy to occur and help prevent pregnancy after sex (ACOG, 2005).

Q: Where can someone get EC?
A: If you're 18 or older, EC is available at many pharmacies WITHOUT a prescription. If you're 17 or younger, you need a prescription to get EC from a pharmacy. You can also get it for free or at low cost from many clinics. Click here to find an EC provider near you.

Q: Can guys buy EC too?
A: YES. Men over the age of 18 can buy Emergency Contraception with valid ID at a pharmacy.

Q: Do you have to be a US citizen to get EC?
A: NO. EC is available at many locations to undocumented immigrants and other uninsured women. A picture ID with a birth date is required, but the ID does not have to be a US‐issued ID card.

Q: Does a person need health insurance to get EC?
A: NO. EC is available for free at many community based clinics or hospital clinics. It is also available at New York City Department of Health STI clinics. However, women 18 and older insured by Medicaid can get EC at a pharmacy using their ID and insurance card. Women under the age of 17 insured by Medicaid still need a prescription to get EC.

Q: How much does the EC cost?
A: The price ranges from free at local clinics to $30 to $55 at a drug store or pharmacy.

Q: Is EC as effective as regular (hormonal) birth control?
A: NO. While EC prevents pregnancy, it is not as effective as other forms of hormonal birth control. Condoms and regular ongoing birth control should be used to consistently prevent pregnancy before and/or during sex.

Q: Does EC protect a person from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV?
A: NO, it only helps prevent pregnancy. Condoms should be used to prevent transmission of STIs and HIV.

Q: Do I need my mom or dad’s permission to get the Morning-After Pill?
A: NO. Under NY State Law, minors can get reproductive health care such as birth control and Emergency Contraception on their own, without parental permission or notification. New York State also has confidentiality laws that prohibit providers from telling parents if a minor has received any family planning services, including birth control and abortion.