Planned Parenthood Celebrates 2008 “Back Up Your Birth Control”

Planned Parenthood Celebrates 2008 “Back Up Your Birth Control” Campaign Day of Action To Ensure Access to and Awareness of Emergency Contraception

Washington, DC — Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) today celebrates the 2008 Back Up Your Birth Control Campaign Day of Action to raise awareness of emergency contraception (EC), a safe and effective backup birth control option for women and teens. In honor of the Day of Action, Planned Parenthood launched a new YouTube video to highlight the availability of emergency contraception at Planned Parenthood affiliate health centers across the United States (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fWNk8CyoeU). Despite the effectiveness of EC, many women, including teens, continue to be denied access to this essential form of contraception.

“Emergency contraception is safe and effective, and Planned Parenthood is committed to making sure every woman and teen knows about this backup birth control option,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards. "Every woman deserves full access to every option available to prevent unintended pregnancy.”

EC lowers the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. The sooner backup birth control is taken, the better it works, making timely access critically important. Nevertheless, the FDA restricts young women's access to EC by requiring a prescription for EC for anyone under age 18.

“With as many as 750,000 teens becoming pregnant each year, it is time for all of us to take action and ensure our young people have information on and access to affordable birth control, including emergency contraception,” Richards said.

For more information about EC, please visit www.plannedparenthood.org.