Know Your Options

Emergency contraception is more important than ever, so you should understand exactly how to get it-and use it. Ahead, an ob-gyn debunks common misperceptions

- Alison Edelman

At no time in the past 50 years has a broken condom had more dire consequences than it does today. Recently, countless court cases and changes to state and national legislation have opened the floodgates for restrictions to abortion. Now, in more than 20 states, abortion is either difficult to access or illegal. Roughly one in three women in the U.S. live in states where the medical procedure is simply not a practical option, per the Guttmacher Institute. This reality has launched emergency contraception into a new stratosphere of importance.

Accidents happen. Contraception fails. And because care is so restricted in places, these scenarios can be more stressful than ever. Thankfully, emergency contraception, though no replacement for abortion care, can be an effective tool for preventing pregnancy if used correctly. I know firsthand how much misinformation exists around both birth control and emergency contraception.

We are living through a moment when women's health is unfortunately politicized. While myths about reproductive health, and emergency contraception in particular, may continue, knowing the facts ahead of time can help you make the best decision for yourself if and when you need to. Let's clear things up.

MYTH 

Plan Bis your only option.