You can now see this page in Spanish, French, or Arabic. (Puede ver esta p�gina en espa�ol; vous pouvez aussi lire cette page en francais.)  

Welcome!

Welcome to the Emergency Contraception Website operated by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University and by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. For 2003, this project has been made possible by generous grants from the Open Society Institute�s Program on Reproductive Health and Rights and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. This server is designed to provide accurate information about emergency contraception derived from the medical literature and a directory of clinicians willing to provide emergency contraceptives in your area. All forms of emergency contraception described on this server require a prescription. Do not attempt to use them except under the supervision of a licensed clinician authorized to prescribe.

This server has no connection whatsoever with any companies that manufacture or sell emergency contraceptives.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraceptives are methods of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Emergency contraception can be used when a condom breaks, after a sexual assault, or any time unprotected sexual intercourse occurs. Do not use emergency contraceptives as your only protection against pregnancy if you are sexually active or planning to be, because they are not as effective as any ongoing contraceptive method. Emergency contraceptives available in the United States include:

Where Can I Find Emergency Contraception?

We maintain a directory of providers who have informed our office that they are willing to provide information about and prescribe emergency contraceptives. We also have answers to frequently asked questions about emergency contraception, including instructions on how to use combined as well as progestin only emergency contraception. Use the buttons at the top to visit other sections of interest in this server, including news about emergency contraception, and a list of relevant publications.

Questions? Comments?

If you have questions about emergency contraception, please visit our page on frequently asked questions.

If you have a story to share about your experience getting access to emergency contraception, please send it to us. All information will be used anonymously.  Send your comments to James Trussell, [email protected]


This website is peer reviewed by a panel of outside experts.  Last revised 6/2003.