Emergency Contraception Demystifying Certain Myths

Emergency Contraception Demystifying Certain Myths

- Dr B Ramesh

A lot has been spoken about Emergency Contraceptives in the recent months. However the fact remains that to date there is very little knowledge about the product and a lot of confusion regarding the category.

What is an emergency contraceptive?

An Emergency Contraceptive is basically a safe alternative method of preventing unintended pregnancy in case of contraceptive failure

Is it advisable to make emergency contraceptive an OTC product?

6-7 million abortions take place in India each year, performed by untrained persons working in unhygienic conditions. About 13% of maternal deaths in India result from unsafe abortions. In such a situation making emergency contraceptive available OTC would be an effective step in order to curb unsafe abortions.

Secondly, in order to use an emergency contraceptive effectively, the time frame of 72 hours is of crucial importance. If not taken within this period, it may not be as effective. A woman / couple may not be able to get a doctor’s prescription in the limited timeframe. In certain cases there might be hesitation. Therefore the need to make it available OTC arises.

Unwanted pregnancy is a major public health concern with potentially fatal consequences with regards to women’s health. The easy availability of this product should translate into fall in the number of unwanted / unintended pregnancies.

Is Emergency Contraceptive an Abortion Pill?