Abstract
Levonorgestrel (Plan B®) was approved as an over-the-counter medication for emergency contraception in 2006, but barriers to access still exist. Several studies have shown that emergency contraception does not increase promiscuity nor decrease condom use, but these erroneous beliefs are still widely held. Myths and political controversy about emergency contraception have limited its access to adolescent girls, despite its demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Other methods of emergency contraception, such as mifepristone, may actually be more effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies, but further research in the USA for this indication needs to be performed. Finally, while it is important to increase access to emergency contraception, it should not replace the promotion of long-acting reversible contraception.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.