Monday, June 4, 2012

Where to turn when Plan B becomes Plan A

 

In a political climate where we seem to read about new barriers to women’s reproductive freedom in each news cycle, it’s good to know what the facts are and where to turn when Plan B becomes Plan A.

Sometimes referred to as "Plan B" or the “morning after pill,” emergency contraception is a method of birth control that can substantially reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex. It will not work if you are already pregnant, and it’s not the abortion pill.

Nearly half of all pregnancies in America are unintended. For the women who face a potential unintended pregnancy, widespread and timely access to emergency contraception is crucial. Emergency contraception must be taken within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, but most experts agree that it’s more effective the sooner it is taken. Access to emergency contraception is especially important for sexual assault survivors. This narrow window makes ready access to emergency contraception critical in order to be most effective.

The difficulty of a woman’s search for emergency contraception may be further compounded by her own economic or geographical limitations. Thus, it is important that a customer have access to emergency contraception as soon as it’s needed.

It may be challenging for women, particularly those living in rural areas here in Wyoming, to know where to turn in the event that emergency contraception is needed. That is why we teamed up with NARAL Pro-Choice Wyoming, Planned Parenthood of Wyoming and the Wyoming Health Council to produce this brochure which provides information about emergency contraception, and more importantly, where to find access to emergency contraception in Wyoming.

Deciding whether or when to become a parent is one of the most private and important decisions a person can make. Access to emergency contraception promotes public health, helps prevent unintended pregnancies and reduces the need for abortions.

Read more about the ACLU’s dedication to reproductive freedom.