Should Emergency Contraceptives Continue to be Available as Over the Counter Drugs

Abstract

Women have been victims of sexual abuse and rape since time immemorial. Many times these have led to unintended pregnancies, forcing many of them to undergo illegal abortions. Most of these abortions were without any aseptic techniques that many times led to morbidity or even death of the victim. A rise in use of emergency contraception (EC) is good, as it will prevent a lot of unwanted births and unsafe abortions. On the other hand, the increasing use of ECs has led to increased sexual activity amongst youngsters. There has been a rise in sexually transmitted diseases following EC use because of multiple sexual partners and avoidance of barrier method of contraception. Hence, there is a need to encourage EC, but this calls for a need for safe sexual practice and awareness campaigns so that ECs are not misused.