Until the FDA makes emergency contraception (EC) available over the counter (OTC), a doctor’s prescription is required to obtain EC. This is problematic since EC must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse to be effective in preventing pregnancy. Many women have difficulty accessing their doctors within this short time frame – especially in rural areas or over weekends.

Some states authorize certain pharmacists to prescribe medications pursuant to collaborative agreements with physicians, clinics, or HMOs. Pharmacists in these states may be able to develop collaborative agreements that will allow them to dispense EC directly to particular patients.

The chart below indicates whether or not a state currently allows women to obtain EC directly from a pharmacist. States in gray do not allow women to obtain EC directly from a pharmacist.

Last Updated: January 9, 2006

Alabama
Alaska	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
Arizona
Arkansas
California	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
Maryland
Massachusetts	EC is available directly from the pharmacist. Effective December 14, 2005.
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
New Jersey
New Mexico	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington	EC is available directly from the pharmacist.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming