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New publication: An update on access to EC in Europe

February 2022. Since 2012, the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception monitors emergency contraception (EC) availability and accessibility in Europe, and maintains a country-by-country database. This open-access database is regularly updated thanks to the collaboration of numerous partners and local experts to whom we want to express our deepest gratitude. ECEC now publishes a new fact…

Spain: EC to be finally free in all public health services

Spain: EC to be finally free in all public health services

February 2023. In 2009, emergency contraception pills (ECPs) were reclassified to pharmacy products in Spain and prescription requirements were removed. This was a first measure to equalize access in all country’s territory.  Last week, a new step was taken in this direction: according to the text of the Reform of the law on Sexual and…

Emergency contraception in the world

Postcoital contraceptive methods are available in most, but not all, countries and territories of the world. Emergency contraception pills (ECPs), also popularly called the “morning after pill”, are the most used method of emergency contraception. Three types of ECPs (with different active ingredients) are available: In order to access ECPs, EC products need to be…

Contraception Atlas 2023

Contraception Atlas 2023

February 2023. On February 8th, the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights (EPF) launched the 6th edition of the European Contraception Policies Atlas. Members of the European Parliament Sophie in ‘t Veld and Fred Matic, chaired the event. The United Kingdom, France and Belgium are once again in the top three positions, while…

Romania: New EC counseling tool

Romania: New EC counseling tool

In Romania, MagnaPharm has translated and adapted the EC Wheel to help strengthen pharmacists’ knowledge on EC methods and counseling. The EC Wheel was developed in 2016 by ECEC with financial and technical support from the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare (ESC). This tool summarizes the UK Faculty of SRH and WHO’s recommendations…

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Historic step in the USA: FDA updates language on LNG ECPs mechanism of action

December 2022. In the United States, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) just approved to change the label of Plan B One-Step (a levonorgestrel 1,5 emergency contraception pill) and its generic versions, in order to remove language suggesting that it prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. Until now, and despite what scientific evidence and research has…

Honduras: Is EC really available to sexual violence survivors?

December 2022. The Ministry of Health in Honduras recently published a new protocol to provide comprehensive care to survivors of sexual violence (Protocolo de Atención Integral a Víctimas / Sobrevivientes de Violencia Sexual). The protocol includes the provision of  emergency contraception as part of the first line treatment, which is a major step forward. At…

Catalonia: complaints about access to EC

December 2022. In Catalonia (Spain), the Observatory of Sexual and Reproductive Rights monitors violations of sexual and reproductive rights (SRR) reported by citizens, in order to influence and transform public SRR policies and services. According to the Observatory 2022 report, problems with access to emergency contraception (EC) are the second most common complaint received. Problems…

Denmark:  Increased use of ECPs (2017-2021)

November 2022.  The Danish Health Data Agency has recorded an increase of about 27% in the number of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) sold in the past five years: from 107.000 units sold in 2017 to 136.000 in 2021. The largest increase was registered in the Zealand Region (44%). The Danish Broadcasting Corporation published this news,…

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EC101 at the International Conference of Family Planning

November 2022.  The International Conference on Family Planning, the world’s largest gathering on family planning and reproductive health, took place in Thailand on 14-17 November 2022. ECEC is proud to have participated in the organization of one segment of the Live Community Programming, that revised the basics of emergency contraception. The segment, called “Emergency contraception…

Ready When She Is: Investing in On-Demand Contraception

October 2022.  A portion of sexually active women do not use contraception, because they do not have sex frequently. The on-demand use of levonorgestrel 1,5 mg pills is being studied, and could expand the choice of contraceptives for those who have infrequent sex and thus, do not want to use a regular method, but do…