Science, Ideology, and the Public Good: The Precarious State of Emergency Contraception in America

Kauffman, Robert P.

doi:10.1097/smj.0b013e318188bf26

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 15 publications

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“…The medical literature often notes that EC is not an abortifacient because it has no effect after implantation, which ACOG defines as the beginning of pregnancy [3, 6, 8, 11, 34]. Yet, many Americans believe that pregnancy begins with fertilization [9], and the prescribing information on the Plan B package insert [35], as well as several recent articles, continue to mention the possibility that levonorgestrel interferes with implantation [9, 10, 12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Obstetrician–gynecologist physicians' beliefs about emergency contraception: a national survey

et al. 2010

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Background-Although emergency contraception (EC) is available without a prescription, women still rely on doctors' advice about its safety and effectiveness. Yet little is known about doctors' beliefs and practices in this area.Study Design-We surveyed 1800 US obstetrician-gynecologists. Criterion variables were doctors' beliefs about EC's effects on pregnancy rates, and patients' sexual practices. We also asked which women are offered EC. Predictors were demographic, clinical, and religious characteristics.Results-Response rate 66% (1154/1760). Most (89%) believe EC access lowers unintended pregnancy rates. Some believe women use other contraceptives less (27%), initiate sex at younger ages (12%), and have more sexual partners (15%). Half of physicians offer EC to all women (51%), while others offer it never (6%) or only after sexual assault (6%). Physicians critical of EC, males, and religious physicians were more likely to offer it never or only after sexual assault (odds ratios 2.1-12).Conclusion-Gender, religion, and divergent beliefs about EC's effects shape physicians' beliefs and practices.

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