What to Do If You Were Refused EC

In a crisis, obtaining emergency contraception may be difficult.  Because EC is time-sensitive, we hope to assist you by providing some suggested steps for the following situations so that you can take EC in a prompt manner.

If you were denied EC in a hospital emergency room:

• Ask the rape counselor and/or another doctor or nurse in the emergency room for help.

• Call your regular doctor to see if s/he can give you a prescription, call in a prescription to a pharmacy, or help you in any other way.

• Ask healthcare providers for referrals if they cannot or will not dispense EC to you.

• Visit www.not-2-late.com or call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.  The website lists all health care providers and medical facilities that dispense EC in your area.  The telephone hotline uses your area code to determine the five closest EC providers.

• Contact your local Planned Parenthood (1800-230-PLAN) or family planning clinic. Remember, it is recommended that the first dose of EC be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse; however, research shows that it may be effective up to 120 hours after.  You would need an appointment at the clinic within that time frame.

• If possible, ask a friend to help you in your search for EC.  This can be a great support and s/he can be an advocate for you.

• Don't give up.

If you were denied EC in a pharmacy:

• Ask the pharmacist if there is another pharmacist that will dispense EC or if they can direct you to another pharmacy that will dispense EC.

• Ask to speak with the manager of the pharmacy.

• Check your local yellow pages for other pharmacies and call them to find out if they have Plan B or are able to substitute regular birth control pills for a prescription for EC.

• Call back to the hospital or doctor that prescribed EC for you to ask for help.

• Try visiting a hospital emergency department.

• If possible, bring a friend with you to the pharmacy for support.  They can help you advocate for yourself or advocate for you.

• Don't give up.

If you were denied EC by your regular family physician or health care provider:

• Visit www.not-2-late.com or call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE.  The website lists all health care providers and medical facilities that dispense EC in your area.  The telephone hotline uses your area code to determine the five closest EC providers.

• Contact your local Planned Parenthood (1-800-230-PLAN) or family planning clinic.

• Don't give up.

Know Your Rights
If you are denied EC, know that legal action is possible.  EC is a legal form of contraception and you have every right to obtain it.  Here are some suggestions about what you can do to advocate for and protect your right to EC.

• Contact RaisingHerVoice.org:  We can help you take action if you were denied EC. 

• Get Involved:  We can provide you with some tools to change your community and to help make sure other women do not face the same barriers you did. 

• MergerWatch Project:  Contact this organization if you were denied EC in a religiously affiliated health care facility.

• The National Women's Law Center collects reports of pharmacy refusals from across the country through its Pharmacy Refusal Project.  NWLC also offers a publication for advocates: Don't Take No for an Answer.