EC in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

Emergency Contraception (EC) is a way to reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex by providing a short burst of hormones that disrupt the process essential for pregnancy. It is not used as a regular form of birth control and is not an abortion.

EC is meant to be used as a backup, emergency measure after sex when no birth control method was used, the condom broke or the diaphragm slipped, or if you were sexually assaulted.

When used within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse, EC can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 76%-99%.

GOOD NEWS! Plan B emergency contraception is NOW AVAILABLE over the counter for people 18 and older! Women under 18 — and of all ages — can always get Plan B at Planned Parenthood health centers and most pharmacies. If you're under 18 and you live in a state with an EC Collaborative Practice law (including Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont), you may also be able to get EC directly from a participating pharmacist — without first visiting your health care provider. Scroll down to learn more about EC and how to get it.

You may want to use Emergency Contraception if:

• His condom broke or slipped off
• You missed two or more birth control pills
• Your diaphragm or cervical cap slipped out of place
• You weren't using any birth control
• You were forced to have unprotected vaginal sex

EC is also called post-coital or "morning-after" contraception.  EC will only be effective if a woman is not already pregnant.  It does not affect an existing pregnancy.  Emergency Contraception is not Mifepristone (the "Abortion Pill") and it does not cause an abortion.

Everyone, regardless of age, can get EC from Planned Parenthood — and now, if you're 18 or older, you can get it without a prescription! Walk in to any of our 26 health centers (no appointment required!) Speed It Up — print out the form and fill it out before you come in!	Call 1-800-230-PLAN to talk to someone at the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you. Click here to find out about our health center hours and locations.	If you're 18 or older, you may be able to purchase EC over the counter at your local pharmacy. (You might want to call first to make sure they carry Plan B.) Women under 18 may be able to get EC directly from a participating pharmacist (without a doctor or health center visit). Always call ahead to make sure the EC pharmacist is on duty.