Editorial ARHP Editorial

As FDA action is anticipated on over-the-counter (OTC) status for emergency contraception (EC) in the United States (where no prescription would be required and it would be available on store shelves), new studies continue to emerge from around the world that support its safety and efficacy. New research also addresses the question of EC’s mechanism of action, and adds persuasive evidence that it acts as a contraceptive method and does not cause abortion. When used correctly, EC substantially reduces the inci-dence of unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion. A study published by the Alan Guttmacher Institute [1] esti-mated that in the year 2000 alone, EC averted 51,000 abortions in the US. Improving access to EC has the poten-tial to gain even greater improvements in pregnancy intend-edness. A review in the IPPF Medical Bulletin [2] concludes there is evidence for EC actions that can prevent pregnancy by interfering with pre-fertilization events, but no evidence that EC actually interferes with implantation of a fertilized egg. For more information on this study, visit www.arhp. org/ec/. Emergency contraception’s solid safety record, simplic-ity of use, and efficacy are important as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the requested change from prescription to OTC status for Plan B, the levonorg-estrel only emergency contraception product. A growing number of countries give women direct access to EC, in