Breaking the barriers to emergency contraception access in the USA: the time has come

Abstract

Levonorgestrel (Plan B®) was approved as an over-the-counter medication for emergency contraception in 2006, but barriers to access still exist. Several studies have shown that emergency contraception does not increase promiscuity nor decrease condom use, but these erroneous beliefs are still widely held. Myths and political controversy about emergency contraception have limited its access to adolescent girls, despite its demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Other methods of emergency contraception, such as mifepristone, may actually be more effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies, but further research in the USA for this indication needs to be performed. Finally, while it is important to increase access to emergency contraception, it should not replace the promotion of long-acting reversible contraception.