Widespread use of emergency contraception could dramatically reduce the high rates of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions in the United States. High doses of certain oral contraceptive pills and the copper-bearing intrauterine device are two methods of postcoital contraception that are available in this country. Despite the availability, relatively few women use these methods, and many are not even aware that they exist. Moreover, clinicians seldom prescribe emergency contraception. Recently, national initiatives have been underway to educate both the public and health care providers about the benefits, safety, efficacy, and availability of postcoital contraceptive methods. The main goals of these initiatives are to increase public and provider awareness and, ultimately, to increase the use of these methods. The need for local initiatives is addressed and implications for health educators are provided.