Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains gives away

over 2,700 packets of Emergency Contrception!

DENVER — Today, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains celebrated the over-the-counter status of Emergency Contraception by giving away 2,726 packets of EC in its 33 health centers.

“Planned Parenthood believes that all women should have access to Emergency Contraception,” said Kate Horle, PPRM Vice President of Public Affairs.  “Because it is more effective the sooner it is taken, Planned Parenthood hoped that women would pick up EC, to keep at home, just in case.”

"Every woman deserves every chance to prevent unintended pregnancy,” PPRM CEO and President Vicki Cowart said. “As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood wants women and couples to know about emergency contraception and all their contraceptive options.  We hope that Free EC Day will encourage people to think about preventing unintended pregnancy and to come to Planned Parenthood on Dec. 6 to get EC, just in case.”

Participating Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide are organizing Free EC Days in their communities. 

“Planned Parenthood strongly recommends that women and couples back up their birth control,” Planned Parenthood Federation of America Vice President for Medical Affairs Dr. Vanessa Cullins said. “Keep emergency contraception in your medicine cabinet in case the condom breaks, you miss two or more birth control pills or have unprotected sex.  The sooner you take EC after unprotected sex, the better it works.”

In August the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted over-the-counter status for Plan B emergency contraception for women 18 and older.  Women of all ages can continue to get EC at Planned Parenthood, where they can also talk with health care professionals.  Research shows that over-the-counter access to emergency contraception does not increase or encourage sexual activity among teens.

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