The morning-after pill, known also as Plan B, is a type of birth control that can prevent you from getting pregnant if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. Importantly, it is not an abortion, and will not cause an abortion if you are already pregnant. So where can you get the morning after pill? Here’s what you need to know.
Over the Counter Options for Getting the Morning After Pill
Plan B is now an over the counter drug. This means that you can get it at most pharmacies without a prescription. Unfortunately, some pharmacies put it behind the counter, which means you have to ask the pharmacist for it. In rare cases, a pharmacist might refuse to give you the drug. And some people feel anxious about asking a pharmacist for the drug. The simplest way around this is to go to another pharmacy. But if you don’t feel comfortable talking to a pharmacist in person or you’re worried about your parents or your spouse seeing you, you have options.
Other Options for Getting the Morning After Pill
Most women’s health clinics, including Planned Parenthood and abortion clinics, offer the morning after pill. No one has to know why you are going. Simply schedule an appointment as soon as you can after having unprotected sex, and get the pill in the office. At many clinics, Plan B is free or available at a steeply discounted rate. Better still, privacy laws mean that the clinic staff cannot tell anyone why you came in–even the parent or loved one who comes with you to the appointment. You can always ask to be seen alone, too, if you’re concerned about the person who drives you to the clinic knowing why you’re there.
Morning After Pill facts
- 95% of pregnancies are prevented, if the morning after pill is taken within the first 24 hours after sex
- 85% if taken from 24–48 hours after sex
- 58% if taken from 48–72 hours after sex
The morning after pill is not supposed to be taken regularly.
Find a great abortion or women’s health clinic in your area here.
