Variation in availability of emergency contraception in pharmacies

Abstract

Objective The availability of emergency contraception (EC) depends on pharmacy stocking practices and pharmacist willingness to dispense the medication. We aimed to describe the availability of EC in areas governed by different state policies regarding pharmacist behavior. Study Design A telephone survey was conducted between October 1 and December 31, 2005, of every pharmacy listed in the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Philadelphia and Boston. We asked whether pharmacies could fill a prescription for EC within 24 h and, if not, why not. Results We interviewed pharmacists at 1085 pharmacies (response rate of 75%). Overall, 23% were unable to fill a prescription for EC within 24 h. The rate of being unable to fill was 35% in Atlanta, 23% in Philadelphia and 4% in Boston (p<.001). Refusal rates were low: 4% overall; 8% in Atlanta; 3% in Philadelphia and 0% in Boston. Conclusions Variation in state policy predicted the availability of EC. The most common reason for not being able to fill a prescription within 24 h was not having the medication in stock.