Local Planned Parenthoods Sponsor Free EC Day March 14

ALBANY, NY (03/13/2008)(readMedia)-- Friday, March 14th is “FREE EC Day” at local Planned Parenthood health centers. EC (Emergency Contraception) gives women a second chance to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Planned Parenthood encourages women -- and men -- in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and North Country to pick up a free pack of EC on March 14th. Call 1-800-230-PLAN or your local Planned Parenthood for participating locations and hours. Limit one per person, while supplies last.

Who can get EC? Planned Parenthood offers EC without a prescription to women and men 18 and older. With a brief medical screening (not a physical exam), women under 18-years-old can get EC as a prescription medication.

Why get EC before you need it? Accidents happen. Planned Parenthood encourages women — and men — to be prepared, just in case. Having EC on hand means it can be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, when it is most effective. EC is time-sensitive medication. The sooner it is taken, the better it works.

Isn’t EC available over-the counter? Although the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) granted EC brand Plan B “over-the-counter” status in 2006, it imposed unnecessary restrictions on this medication. Women and men 18 and older may purchase Plan B at a pharmacy, without a prescription. However, the FDA requires women under 18-years-old to obtain a prescription first. Actually, Plan B is kept “behind the counter” and must be requested from the pharmacist on duty. This further reduces access to EC nights and weekends when the pharmacy is often closed.

Another issue is cost. While some pharmacies charge $50 for EC, Planned Parenthood offers this back-up birth control medication for only $30. However, on March 14th, EC is free at Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (PPMH) and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) health centers.

FREE EC Day is jointly sponsored by Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (PPMH) and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP).“Emergency Contraception is back up birth control,” explains UHPP President/CEO Patricia McGeown. “It is a safe and effective method for preventing unintended pregnancy. We will continue to educate women about the use and effectiveness of EC.”

“Research shows that EC is safe and effective for women of all ages,” states Margaret Roberts PPMH President/CEO, “and that improved access to EC does not increase or encourage sexual activity among teens.”