For Immediate Release    Contact: Christina Tenuta

November 8, 2006     212- 343-0114 x 3523  

Plan B Emergency Contraception to Hit Pharmacy Shelves by Mid-November 

New York, NY – For the first time ever, emergency contraception, also known as “the morning after pill” will be available for purchase without a prescription for women and men 18 years of age and older. On November 1, 2006, Barr Laboratories began shipping its over the counter Plan B emergency contraceptive product to the nation’s pharmacies. It is expected to be on the shelves by mid-November. Women under 18 will still need a prescription from their doctor. 

“A major barrier to EC access has just been lifted.  Women will now be able to get this safe and effective method of pregnancy prevention when they need it, at the pharmacy” said Christina Tenuta, coordinator of the Back Up Your Birth Control campaign, a 5-year old advocacy initiative that includes more than 100 organizations working to educate women and men across the country about the safety and effectiveness of emergency contraception. “The sooner EC is taken, the better it works. With EC now readily available, it will be more effective at helping women reduce their risk of an unintended pregnancy. We are optimistic that improved access to this important back-up birth control method will have a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of women and their families,” Tenuta continued. 

Emergency contraception is an FDA approved method of contraception. It is a safe and effective birth control method that can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy if taken within the first 72 hours of unprotected sex.  The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. 

“In order for EC to be effective, women need to know about it. Now with EC available on the pharmacy shelves, women will have a terrific opportunity to learn about this important contraceptive method,” Tenuta said. “The Back Up Your Birth Control campaign will be working to educate women and men about the safety of EC, while encouraging women to purchase EC to have on-hand before an emergency occurs,” Tenuta continued. 

“At the same time, we will working to educate women under 18 years old on the swiftest way to obtain emergency contraception, and continuing to urge Barr and the FDA to have this medically unnecessary restriction on young women’s access removed,” Tenuta said.