What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) is a concentrated dosage of ordinary birth control pills that dramatically reduces a woman's chance of becoming pregnant if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

What is the difference between EC and RU 486?
EC prevents pregnancy but will not work if a woman is already pregnant. EC does not cause abortion. RU 486 (Mifeprex) is an early, non-surgical abortion option.

Why do women need increased access to EC?
Women should have every opportunity to avoid unwanted pregnancies. According to a recent study, an estimated 51,000 abortions in the U.S. were prevented in 2000 alone through women’s use of EC. Although EC is widely available in Europe, not enough women in the U.S. know about EC and anti-choice politicians are working to deny women information on and access to this safe and effective contraceptive option.