Can the morning-after pill harm a fetus?

By Amy @ Planned Parenthood | Sept. 13, 2010, 11:44 a.m.

Category: Ask the Experts, Birth Control

If I took the EC pill and, weeks later, I find out that I’m pregnant, will the EC have affected the fetus in any way?

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, will not harm a fetus. Still, women should not use EC when they’re pregnant. EC does not end a pregnancy — it can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected intercourse. The sooner it’s started, the better.

EC is available over the counter at many pharmacies to women and men over 17. Teens under 17 can still get EC with a prescription. If you would like emergency contraception, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center.

Tags: pregnancy, emergency contraception, the morning-after pill