Unwanted pregnancy, within or without marriage is being seen frequently. There are about 11 million abortions in India every year of which 6.7 million are induced and about four million spontaneous. This indicates a ratio of 10-11 illegal abortions for each legal abortion performed; and all this resulting in 15-20 thousand deaths annually.

Contraceptive method failure due to various reasons is a common occurrence and contributes to millions of unintended pregnancies each year. Women who experience unprotected sex for whatever reason including condom rupture or slippage, diaphragm dislodgment, breakage or tearing, failed coitus interrupts, IUD expulsion, miscalculation of the safe period, and even sexual assault are among those who can protect themselves from pregnancy by using emergency contraceptives.

While most contraceptives are intended for use before or during intercourse, emergency contraception can be used by a woman within a few hours or days after unprotected intercourse to prevent conception. Otherwise known as post-coital contraceptive or 'morning after pills', these regimens work on the idea that the user can start treatment on the morning after unprotected intercourse. What makes emergency contraception different from other contraceptive methods is its use at postcoital stage rather than before or at the time of coitus. However, as its name suggests, its use is not recommended on a regular basis and it is to be used only during 'emergency' situations, which may lead to unwanted conception and pregnancy.

The use of emergency contraception is widely accepted even among those who generally oppose contraceptives. The Vatican, for instance, recently lifted a ban on women's use of emergency contraception in the case of rape, recognizing contraception in such circumstances as a legitimate form of self-defence. The magnitude of the youth population in India provides another reason for making emergency contraceptives available. Many young men and women are sexually active and have scant or no access to sexuality education which can guide them to adopt healthy lifestyles and take responsible decisions; emergency contraceptives can be an option for protection against unpremeditated and therefore unprotected intercourse.

The increasing number of reports of child sexual abuse in India, further justifies the need for greater awareness and delivery of emergency Contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy. A study done among school children in Delhi showed that 85 percent of the children had been abused within their families and 25 percent of them were cases of serious sexual violation. Statistics reveal that in India, one woman is raped every 54 minutes. Emergency contraception can continue to be used in the treatment of rape victims.

What is Emergency Oral Contraception?

After unprotected sex, emergency oral contraception can prevent pregnancy. Sometimes called postcoital or "morning after" contraception.

How does it Work?

Mainly stops ovulation (release of egg from ovary) but perhaps also works in other ways. Does not disrupt existing pregnancy.