Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois Offering Free Emergency Contraception Dec. 6
“Free EC Day” Highlights Backup Birth Control Now Available Without a Prescription — and at Planned Parenthood
CHAMPAIGN – Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois (PPECI) is joining its sister affiliates across the country to offer free emergency contraception (EC) on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006.
"Every woman deserves every chance to prevent unintended pregnancy,” Karla Peterson, president and CEO of PPECI said. “As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood wants women and couples to know about emergency contraception and all their contraceptive options. We hope that Free EC Day will encourage people to think about preventing unintended pregnancy and to come to Planned Parenthood on Dec. 6 to get EC, just in case.”
EC lowers the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. The sooner EC is administered after unprotected intercourse, the better it works, making timely access critically important. Studies show that women do not use EC as a regular method of birth control.
Participating Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are organizing Free EC Days in their communities.
“Planned Parenthood strongly recommends that women and couples back up their birth control,” Planned Parenthood Federation of America Vice President for Medical Affairs Dr. Vanessa Cullins said. “Keep emergency contraception in your medicine cabinet in case the condom breaks, you miss two or more birth control pills or have unprotected sex. The sooner you take EC after unprotected sex, the better it works.”
In August the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted over-the-counter status for Plan B emergency contraception for women 18 and older. Women of all ages can continue to get EC at Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois, where they can also talk with health care professionals. Research shows that over-the-counter access to emergency contraception does not increase or encourage sexual activity among teens.
Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois (PPECI) is the largest provider of reproductive health care in downstate Illinois. More than 14,000 men, women and teens are served by PPECI each year. Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois has been providing personal, affordable and confidential healthcare, education and advocacy in the area since 1940. Learn more about us on the web at http://www.ppeci.org/.
