Access to Emergency Contraception Reaches New Heights in NYC
NARAL Pro-Choice New York Applauds City Council's Success NEW YORK, NY – NARAL Pro-Choice New York is pleased to announce that women in New York City have greater access to emergency contraception (EC) than ever before. For five years, the New York City Council has championed increased access to EC at city pharmacies. Thanks to the leadership of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Councilmember Eric Gioia, access to EC in New York City has increased to an all time high of 94%.
Up from 55% in 2002, today’s findings show that a large majority of New York City pharmacies carry Plan B® brand emergency contraception. Most pharmacies also indicated that that they were aware that Plan B® is now available over-the-counter for adults. Kelli Conlin, President of NARAL Pro-Choice New York, says:
“Speaker Quinn and Councilmember Gioia’s leadership on this issue has removed unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of timely access to EC. This level of access is remarkable and shows pharmacists in New York are acting responsibly by making EC available to the women who need it."
Knowledge of and access to EC at the pharmacy is critical for women in New York City when trying to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraception is a highly safe and effective method of birth control that can prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex, but only if used within the first 72 hours.
Since 2002, NARAL Pro-Choice New York has proudly partnered with the City Council to remove a number of harmful barriers that block timely access to EC at the pharmacy. “We applaud the City Council’s EC work and look forward to working together in the future to ensure that all women have the access and information they need to prevent an unintended pregnancy,” said Ms. Conlin.
For more information, click here for the City Council's press release.
Here is more press coverage on the City Council's study:
"Report backs no-prescription contraception" - Newsday
"Manhattan: Contraceptive Access Survey" - New York Times
"City Council: OTC Emergency Contraception A 'Success'"
- WNBC News
"City Council: Over-the-Counter Contraception Reducing Abortions" - Fox News NY
"City Pharmacies Opt for Plan B" - New York Metro
"Report Backs No-Prescription Contraception" - AM New York
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