Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception means preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. This is also called postcoital contraception (PCC) or the 'morning-after pill'. High doses of oestrogen or progestogen or a combination of both may be used as PCC up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The use of mifepristone as emergency contraception has also proved promising. Some women use emergency contraception, but there are many who do not know much about it. Users, providers and other health professionals need to be educated about this method. Emergency contraception does not fall within the ambit of abortion law, yet its acceptability depends on the legal, cultural and religious consideration of most countries. This method is safe and effective and could be used occasionally to prevent unwanted pregnancy.