Welcome to the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ECEC)
Founded in 2012, ECEC works to expand knowledge about and access to Emergency Contraception (EC) in Europe, and promotes the standardization of EC service delivery to ensure equitable access across the region. Since 2020, ECEC also works globally to advance access to EC.
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 and globally. 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
Japan launches second non-prescription emergency contraceptive pill
April 2026 — A new levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive (EC) pill, Lesoeru 72, has been approved and launched in Japan, becoming the second brand available without a prescription in the country. According to Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd., approval was granted on 10 February 2026, with distribution starting in March. Lesoeru 72 is classified as a pharmaceutical…
Argentina: First UPA emergency contraceptive pill introduced
April 2026 — A ulipristal acetate (UPA)-based emergency contraceptive (EC) pill is now available in Argentina. Since March 2026, Efectiva 30, manufactured by Laboratorios CASASCO, has been distributed in pharmacies nationwide. The product is available by prescription only and is expected to retail at approximately USD 12, with lower prices anticipated through union-run health insurance…
Pericoital contraception in the State of Self-Care Report 2025
April 2026. The latest State of Self-Care Report 2025 highlights growing interest in new, user-controlled contraceptive options, including pericoital (on-demand) pills. Two case studies from Malawi, Kenya, and Uganda provide valuable insights into how women and adolescent girls perceive these methods and the potential role they could play in expanding contraceptive choice. Summary of findings:…