Welcome to the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ECEC)

Founded in 2012, ECEC works to expand knowledge about and access to Emergency Contraception (EC) within the European region and promotes the standardization of EC service delivery to ensure equitable access across the region.

EC is the only contraceptive method that can be used after sex, and it provides women with an additional opportunity to prevent a pregnancy.

Through this website, we hope to contribute to generating and sharing knowledge of EC in Europe. Your contributions are essential to helping us achieve this goal, and we encourage you to share EC information about your country by writing to us at ecec [at] eeirh [dot] org.

Go directly to country-by-country information on EC access

Go directly to the online EC counseling tool (The EC wheel)

Latest News

India: ECPs will remain prescription-free

October 2024. The ​Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) clarified that emergency contraception pills (ECPs) will remain accessible without prescription in India, and that misinterpretations have led to confusion about prescription requirements for certain hormonal contraceptives.  Read more here. In past few weeks, some news reported that a ban on over-the-counter sales of ECPs was…

Concerns over repeat use of emergency contraception pills

October 2024.  According to local news, in India the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is considering recommending a ban on over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). The reason suggested for the ban is that what is considered “ an irrational and excessive use” of the ECPs might lead to health complications for women,…

Spain: New data on use of emergency contraception

September 2024. In Spain, almost 40% of women of reproductive age report having used emergency contraception pills (ECPs) at least once in their lifetime. Ever use of ECPs is more frequent among women 25 to 39 years of age, and particularly in the age range of 30 to 34, which is also the population with…