THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION came from interviews with doctors and researchers, the state-approved fact sheet on emergency contraception, and published clinical research.

What Emergency contraceptive pills contain supersize doses of the same hormones used in ordinary birth control pills. Some regular birth control pills, taken in a specific manner, can function as emergency contraception. Preven and Plan B are packaged specifically for emergency use. Plan B contains only the hormone progestin, rather than the combination of hormones used in the other pills. In clinical trials it has proved somewhat more effective, and it less frequently causes nausea or vomitting. ECPs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. California minors have a legal right to contraception – including ECPs.

When The first dose can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse, but the drug is most effective when administered during the first 24 hours. A second dose is typically taken 12 hours later. In San Francisco many pharmacies are authorized to dispense advance provisions to women who want to have the drug readily available.

How ECPs work much like birth control pills: they delay ovulation, stop fertilization, or prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall.

Where The list of California pharmacies that will dispense ECPs is growing quickly. For up-to-date information on pharmacies in your area visit www.ecp-help.org or www.not-2-late.com – or call the ECP hotline at 1-800-323-1336. Most Walgreens pharmacies in San Francisco are already able to dispense ECPs. They are also available at local clinics and hospitals, though Catholic hospitals sometimes only provide them to women who have been sexually assaulted. Your regular doctor can also write a prescription for you.

How much Cost varies widely, and some doctors and clinics may also charge for an exam or pregnancy test. The Walgreens stores we called said they are charging a $20 consultation fee plus $32.69 for Plan B. Private insurance coverage is somewhat spotty, though MediCal does cover Preven. Low-income women may get Plan B or Preven through Family PACT, a state program for reproductive health care. To find out about enrolling in Family PACT – it can sometimes be done immediately – call 1-800-942-1054.

Online resources

www.choice.org/ecp

www.plannedparenthood.org/ec

www.crlp.org/pub_fac_ecdomestic.html

www.rhtp.org/ec/ec.htm

www.managingcontraception.com/choices/ch-ecps.html

calpharm.com/exam/page1.htm

jamwa.amwa-doc.org/vol53/toc53_5.html