The term "emergency contraception" refers to several contraceptive methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex. These methods include Emergency Contraceptive pills (ECPs) -- special doses of ordinary birth control pills -- as well as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). They offer women an important second chance to prevent pregnancy when a regular method fails, no method was used, or sex was forced.

Research over the past 30 years has shown that these methods are safe and effective. It is endorsed by the World Health Organization and many other international and national organizations. Click here to view the research reports. 

 *View the WHO's fact sheet on levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills in English.

Depending on the method used, emergency contraception can reduce a woman's risk of becoming pregnant from a single act of intercourse by between 75 and 99 percent.

 * View a summary of emergency contraceptive pill formulations.

 * Get more information about EC regimens, access, and repeat use in ICEC Policy Statements.