It’s been nearly nine years because the FDA approved the usage of Plan B One Step (levonorgestrel), an emergency contraceptive pill, for all women of child-bearing potential to buy over the counter. The FDA made this resolution primarily based on the proof that Plan B is safe to use without the supervision of a licensed practitioner. However, Plan B’s path to over-the-counter approval got here with controversy and confusion over how emergency contraception works. The misconceptions about emergency contraception and stigma around reproductive health have led to obstacles to access that stubbornly persist in the present day, in both physical and invisible ways.

Before we get into the boundaries girls face in accessing emergency contraception, we need to be clear: emergency contraceptives will not be abortifacients. Plan B, My Way and ella (and different emergency contraceptive pills or procedures) only work before pregnancy occurs. These drugs do not affect a developing embryo and do not terminate a being pregnant, even if taken while pregnant.

Barriers in Pharmacies

Pharmacies usually stock over-the-counter emergency contraception in family planning aisles. Unfortunately, some pharmacies place emergency contraception behind a locked, plastic (literal) barrier that requires a affected person to ask for assistance. These obstacles are meant to forestall shoplifting however usually deter women who want privacy. Different pharmacies may keep emergency contraception behind the counter, asking for payment from a patient before dispensing the medication. These additional steps in obtaining an over-the-counter medication make a tense time unnecessarily awkward, too.

For girls who only have independently-owned pharmacies close to them, obstacles are even higher. These pharmacies are inclined to have limited hours, making access tough for many who don’t have flexible work schedules. Smaller pharmacies additionally tend to have fewer self-checkout options or none at all. Inadequate privacy in a pharmacy impacts the accessibility of emergency contraceptives and different forms of household planning.

The Invisible Social Barriers

The misconception that emergency contraceptives terminate a being pregnant is still pervasive, adding to the discomfort and wish for a discreet way to access them. When it comes to picking up a prescription emergency contraceptive (ella®, which is ulipristal acetate, is prescription only), some women might feel uncomfortable with the pharmacist dispensing their medication. Even dealing with a cashier when purchasing Plan B over-the-counter can be an anxious expertise for some women.

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