How to Get Emergency Contraception |
|
Emergency contraceptive Plan B is now available as an over-the-counter product in pharmacies nationwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Plan B to be sold without a prescription to individuals age 18 and older. To purchase Plan B in your pharmacy, you have to go to the pharmacy counter, ask for Plan B, and present a "government-issued" I.D. The medication costs between $30-60. If you are under age 18, you still require a prescription for EC.
Many hospitals, clinics, gynecologists and college health centers prescribe and dispense EC, although most do not advertise that they offer it. Minors do not need their parents’ permission to get EC (or any other kind of birth control). Many family planning clinics and colleges offer EC to their patients at a reduced cost or even for free. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women keep a dose of EC at home in case of an emergency. Ask your health care provider if they offer this service, called advance prescription. If you were refused EC, click here to learn about what you can do.
|
