Emergency Contraception

Abstract

Teen birth rates in the United States have declined during the last decade but remain much higher than rates in other developed countries. Reduction of unintended pregnancy during adolescence and the associated negative consequences of early pregnancy and early childbearing remain public health concerns. Emergency contraception has the potential to significantly reduce teen-pregnancy rates. This policy statement provides pediatricians with a review of emergency contraception, including a definition of emergency contraception, formulations and potential adverse effects, efficacy and mechanisms of action, typical use, and safety issues, including contraindications. This review includes teens' and young adults' reported knowledge and attitudes about hormonal emergency contraception and issues of access and availability. The American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as other professional organizations, supports over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception. In previous publications, the American Academy of Pediatrics has addressed the issues of adolescent pregnancy and other methods of contraception.

Impact of Individual Values on Adherence to Emergency Contraception Practice Guidelines Among Pediatric Residents

“…All knowledge items were based on the information outlined in the American Academy of Pediatrics EC policy statement. 5 Residents were also asked: “Have you ever attended a teaching session where EC was discussed?”…”

“…2–4 Adolescent access to EC is controlled exclusively by prescription in nearly all states. In spite of guidelines that urge providers to counsel all adolescents about EC and encourage advanced prescription, 5,6 previous research suggests that a majority of pediatricians in practice and training do not routinely counsel patients about EC and have not prescribed it. 7–9 …”

A Concept Paper on Improving Parental Knowledge and Practices on Water Safety and Their Children: A Guide for Drowning Prevention

“…Generally, many studies reported evidence that swimming ability is one of the prevention strategies that may beneficial and have some protective function against drowning (Brenner, 2003). Studies in Canada reported that most of drowning victims did not know how to swim nor had a weak swimming ability (The Canadian Red Cross Society, 2003).…”

Arkansas pharmacists’ perceptions toward emergency contraception and nonprescription Plan B

“…It is generally accepted that emergency contraception is a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy 1,2. Appropriate use of emergency contraception has the potential to prevent up to 75% of unplanned pregnancies3, yet approximately 3.5 million unintended pregnancies occur each year in the United States 4.…”