FREE OR LOW-COST
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)
IS AVAILABLE IN NEW YORK CITY!
Emergency Contraception – or EC for short – is a back-up method of birth control. EC is also known as the "morning after pill." Plan B® is the brand name of the EC pills.
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EC or “the morning after pill” is a safe and effective way to help prevent pregnancy AFTER unprotected sex or birth control failure. |
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Women and men 18 years old and over can now buy Plan B over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Teens 17 years old and under still need to get a prescription from their doctor or other healthcare provider in order to buy Plan B over the counter at the pharmacy. |
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EC is a higher dosage of the same hormones found in birth control pills. |
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EC - when used within 5 days of unprotected sex - can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. |
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EC is NOT the same thing as Mifeprex or RU-486. EC will not terminate an existing pregnancy. EC will not work if a woman is already pregnant. |
At the pharmacy, you will need to show identification that proves your age (such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, green card, etc.) to the pharmacist in order to purchase Plan B. The cost of one pack of Plan B at pharmacies in New York City is usually between $40.00-$50.00.
If you are age 17 and under, if you don’t have government issued identification, or if you cannot afford the price of Plan B, you can still access emergency contraception!
The following clinics and hospitals provide free or low-cost EC regardless of your age, immigration status or whether or not you have health insurance! In addition, if you have Medicaid and are age 18 or older, you can show your Medicaid card and your ID to the pharmacist and receive Plan B over the counter at the pharmacy for free (up to 6 packs of Plan B per year). Many of the clinics will be able to see you and provide you with EC at a walk-in visit. However, please call the clinic nearest you before you visit to check their hours of operation and to find out whether you will need an appointment. |
