1.
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Can minors get EC without parental consent?
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Minors in Massachusetts are guaranteed confidential access to family planning services, including EC. There are no parental notification or parental consent requirements for EC.
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2.
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Is EC safe for women who have contraindications for birth control pills ?
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There are no medical contraindications for EC. EC can be prescribed for women who have medical conditions that make ongoing use of combined oral contraceptives unwise. If a woman has a relative contraindication for estrogen, such as a history of thromboembolism, consider using a progestin-only method such as Plan B. This method provides effective emergency contraception without estrogen.
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3.
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If a woman vomits after taking EC, should she repeat the dose?
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If vomiting occurs within 1 hour after taking a dose, some clinicians recommend repeating that dose. There is a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting with Plan B, which is progestin-only. With the combined estrogen-progestin regimens, consider recommending an antiemetic prior to each dose.
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4.
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Is there a "conscience clause" for pharmacists in Massachusetts?
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No. There is no "conscience clause" that covers pharmacists in Massachusetts. Pharmacists are required to fill all valid prescriptions unless there is a medical reason for concern. Since EC is a time-sensitive medication, it is especially important for pharmacists to provide timely access for women.
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5.
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Can a woman take EC more than once a month?
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Research has not shown any risk of serious adverse effects from repeated use of emergency contraception. However, women who use EC repeatedly will likely experience minor side effects such as irregular menses. In addition, EC is not as effective as regular ongoing contraceptive methods. This may be an opportunity to help patients find a birth control method that will work for them in the long term.
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6.
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Does giving a woman EC in advance increase her likelihood of having unprotected sex?
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No. Several studies have shown that providing women with advance prescriptions for EC does not increase the incidence of unprotected sex or encourage repeat use of EC. However, women with advance prescriptions are more likely to use EC when they need it and to take it sooner, when it is more effective.
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7.
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When can a woman start ongoing birth control after taking EC?
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A woman can begin using any hormonal contraceptive the day after taking EC, or she can use a barrier method until her next period arrives. If she starts taking birth control pills the day after taking EC and does not get a regular period during the placebo pill week, she will need to do a pregnancy test since EC is not 100% effective.
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8.
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Do I still need to write prescriptions for EC now that it will be available from pharmacists?
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Yes. Plan B is still a prescription product.
The recently passed EC law in Massachusetts will enable pharmacists who undertake specific training to initiate prescriptions. However, your prescription will still be necessary for many women.
Not all pharmacists will choose to do the training. Therefore, at many pharmacies, women will still need to have a doctor’s prescription in order to get EC. This is especially true while the program is still new. You can help women learn about how best to access EC, not only by writing prescriptions but by learning which pharmacies in your area will be making EC available under the new pharmacy access program. In California, which also has a pharmacy access program, one third of women who got EC at a pharmacy learned about pharmacy access from their health care provider or clinic.
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9.
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If women can get EC at the pharmacy, will they stop coming in for regular birth control?
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No. Several studies have shown that increasing access to EC does not decrease the use of regular forms of birth control. It also does not increase the incidence of unprotected sex or encourage repeat use of EC. As part of the legislation, pharmacists are encouraged to refer women who come in for EC to a family planning clinic or other provider for contraceptive counseling and ongoing forms of birth control. This may be an entry point for women who do not have regular access to health care.
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10.
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I want to help expand EC access. How can I help with the pharmacy access program?
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Health care providers have an important role in increasing access to EC. As a provider, you can continue to prescribe EC to patients, educate patients about EC, and inform them about its availability at certain pharmacies. In California, which also has a pharmacy access program, one third of women who got EC at a pharmacy learned about pharmacy access from their health care provider or clinic.
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11.
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How will I know which pharmacies are participating in the new EC pharmacy access program?
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Not all pharmacists in the state will choose to participate in the emergency contraception (EC) program. Only pharmacists who have been trained and have signed an agreement with a physician will be able to offer EC directly to women. Once the EC program begins in Massachusetts, a list of participating pharmacies will be posted on this website.
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12.
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More questions?
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Click here for answers to more frequently asked questions.
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