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.
