Free EC Day

“Free EC Day” Highlights Backup Birth Control Now Available Without a Prescription — and at Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood of Nassau County joined 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,” PPNC's President & CEO, JoAnn Smith, 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 encouraged people to think about preventing unintended pregnancy and to come to Planned Parenthood 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.

Free packs of EC were available at PPNC's health centers in Hempstead, Glen Cove and Massapequa on December 6 during regular business hours. More than 100 free packs were given away.

Participating Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide organized 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 Nassau County, 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.