November 28, 2006

Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County Offering Free Emergency Contraception Dec. 6

“Free EC Day” Highlights Backup Birth Control Now Available Without a Prescription — and at Planned Parenthood

Warminster, PA—Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County is joining other Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country to offer free emergency contraception (EC) on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006.

"Every woman deserves every chance to prevent unintended pregnancy,” Linda Hahn, CEO said. “As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood wants women and couples to know about emergency contraception and all their contraceptive options. We hope that Free EC Day will encourage people to think about preventing unintended pregnancy, come to Planned Parenthood on Dec. 6 to get EC, and keep EC on hand for future use if needed.”

EC lowers the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. Although EC is sometimes referred to as the “Morning After Pill,” it is actually effective for up to 5 days; however, the sooner EC is administered after unprotected intercourse, the better it works, making timely access critically important. Studies show that women do not use EC as a regular method of birth control, however it can be an additional tool to prevent unintended pregnancy.

“Planned Parenthood strongly recommends that women and couples back up their birth control,” Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County’s Director of Patient Services Sandy Lochrie, RN, said. “Keep emergency contraception in your medicine cabinet in case the condom breaks, you miss two or more birth control pills or have unprotected sex. The sooner you take EC after unprotected sex, the better it works.”

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted over-the-counter status for Plan B, a brand of emergency contraception for women 18 and older. Women of all ages can get Plan B at Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County for free on December 6th, and after Free EC Day at an affordable price. They can also talk with health care professionals about EC. Research shows that over-the-counter access to emergency contraception does not increase or encourage sexual activity among teens. Because of the cost, it is not anticipated that couples will rely on emergency contraception as a regular method of birth control.

Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County has offices in Bristol, Bensalem, Doylestown, Warminster and Quakertown. For more information and office hours, visit www.ppbucks.org or call 1800-230-PLAN.