Pharmacies "Uh Oh!"

Accidents happen - the condom broke, you forgot to take your birth control pill, or maybe you didn't plan on having sex and didn't use any birth control. That's why there are Emergency Contraception Pills - or ECP, also known as "The Morning After Pill". When taken within 5 days, ECP reduces your risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, but the sooner you take it, the better it works - so don't delay. ECP does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Please note that Emergency Contraception or The Morning After Pill is available at NLSHC, with a doctor's appointment, at the Emergency Room at the Health Science Centre and at any Pharmacy location.

If you visit a pharmacy that chooses not to sell you EC, they are required to provide an alternative pharmacy that will sell it to you. The cost of EC varies around the city; therefore, it is advisable to telephone the pharmacy prior.

Media Release:

"Uh Oh" Emergency Contraception Awareness Campaign Launched Across Canada

St. John's- The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre (formerly Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador) today launched its Emergency Contraception (EC) public awareness campaign. The "Uh Oh" campaign aims to educate everyone regarding EC, specifically changes to access, including the availability of emergency contraceptive pills from a pharmacist without a doctor's prescription. The media campaign includes innovative postcards and posters, a new national toll-free line and updated EC website information.

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP), commonly known as the "morning-after-pill", provides a safe and effective back-up contraceptive method to prevent unintended pregnancy. It can be used safely up to five days after unprotected sex.

Although ECP has been around for decades in Canada, last spring Health Canada mandated that Plan B (the only marketed form of ECP in Canada) be available directly from a pharmacist, without a doctor's prescription. This regulation change is significant for women and their partners because timely access to ECP is essential to ensure effectiveness.

"Women need to know that the emergency contraceptive pill is available, where it's available - and keep some in advance of need," said Brenda Kitchen, Executive Director of the NL Sexual Health Centre.

Funded by the Ontario Women's Health Council, the campaign was created to target youth and health care providers, including pharmacists. More than 70 per cent of young women know about ECP, however many are unaware of the new direct access point from pharmacists. Significant misinformation and confusion surround ECP - this campaign aims to dispel many of these myths by providing the public with sources of accurate information.

The campaign is launched in conjunction with International Women's Day. Canadians can find updated information on EC by calling the national toll-free line 1-888-270-7444.

For more information on the campaign, contact Brenda L. Kitchen, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood, Phone: (709) 579-1009, executivedirector@nlsexualhealthcentre.org