Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC), or emergency postcoital contraception, are birth control measures that, if taken after sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy.

Forms of EC include:

  • Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)—sometimes simply referred to as emergency contraceptives (ECs) or the "morning-after pill"—are drugs intended to disrupt ovulation or fertilization, which are steps necessary for pregnancy (contraceptives).
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)—usually used as a primary contraceptive method, but sometimes used as emergency contraception.

Read more about Emergency Contraception:  Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs), Intrauterine Device (IUD) For Emergency Contraception, Postcoital High-dose Progestin-only Oral Contraceptive Pills As Ongoing Contraception, History, Relationship To High Risk Sex and Abortion, EC and Sexual Assault, Mechanism of Action, United States Legal and Ethical Controversies

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