 |
(continued from homepage...)
EC is safe, easy to use, and effective. Plan B, the most commonly used brand of EC consists of only two tablets taken orally. It has the same common side effects that most birth control pills do. EC can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse but is more effective the sooner it is taken, reducing the risk of pregnancy by 89%.
EC should not be taken by a woman who is pregnant, largely because it is ineffective and won't alter the pregnancy. It should not be confused with RU 486 or the abortion pill, nor is intended to protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Wisconsin is focusing on awareness and access to EC by offering women a toll-free hotline. Women who call the hotline are screened by medical professionals and arrangements are made to get them EC as quickly as possible.
The hotline is connected to family planning providers and pharmacies throughout Wisconsin . EC can be shipped overnight if one isn't readily available in your area.
Of course, preventative medicine is better than crisis management. So getting EC in advance makes sense. Studies show that women who obtain EC in advance are more likely to use the method – but not more likely to use it repeatedly. So even if it's not an emergency now, plan ahead by calling the EC Hotline so you'll have it on hand when you need it.
Access to EC in Wisconsin is easy/EZ. The Hotline is 866-EC-FIRST. If you're not in Wisconsin , you can call the national hotline at 888-NOT-2-LATE.
Today's working mom who does not have time to fit in an emergency doctor's appointment could call the hotline before leaving for work in the morning, and pick up her EC during her lunch break. Women who live in rural areas would have access to EC much like those who live in town or in a metropolitan area. That's what the hotline is about. It enables women anywhere in Wisconsin to get EC without a lot of hassle.
Services such as EC make a powerful public health impact by ensuring that Wisconsin women have timely access to emergency contraception. EC is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. Again, the EC Hotline number is 866-EC-FIRST.