These five statements provide official ICEC policy statements, supporting our mission of increasing access to EC in developing countries. They are periodically reviewed and revised as necessary.

  • Fact sheet on the safety of levonorgestrel-alone emergency contraceptive pills (LNG ECPs)
    English - Spanish - French (Arabic available shortly)
    April 2010
    Emergency contraception has been in use for decades and its safety is well established through monitoring and studies. This fact sheet, produced jointly with the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the International Planned Parenthood Foundation, is based on a thorough reading of the literature and extensive technical review by medical experts from around the world.

  • How Do Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work to Prevent Pregnancy?
    Mechanism of Action
    English - Spanish
    October 2008
    The mechanisms through which EC prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex have been extensively researched and over 20 studies have been published on this topic over the last forty years. The overwhelming evidence is that the method works primarily through preventing ovulation with a possible effect on sperm function.
    The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has endorsed this statement, which is posted on their website.

  • Regimen Update
    Dosage and Timing
    English - Spanish - French - Russian
    July 2003
    A study published by WHO in 2002 found that a single 1.5 mg dose of levonorgestrel is as effective as two 0.75 mg taking 12 hours apart; a single dose is also simpler for women. Study results also indicate that EC is more effective the sooner it is used, but can provide some protection from unwanted pregnancy as many as five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. (However, because of the challenges in changing labeling, most EC products are still labeled to be taken in two doses, up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse).

  • Repeated Use of Emergency Contraception: The Facts
    English - Spanish - French - Russian
    July 2003
    EC can safely be used repeatedly; however, studies have found that women rarely rely on EC repeatedly. Easier access to EC also does not increase risky sexual behavior or lead women to abandon their regular contraceptive methods.

  • Improving Access to Emergency Contraception
    English - Spanish - French - Russian
    July 2003
    Despite endorsements of EC by the World Health Organization and others, and greater worldwide availability of dedicated ECPs, women's access to this contraceptive method remains limited. This Policy Statement describes the need for improved access, reviews barriers, and recommends steps to improve access.

  • EC and Medical Abortion
    English - Spanish - French - Russian
    July 2003
    EC can only prevent pregnancy within the first 120 hours after unprotected sex and has no effect on an established pregnancy (a fertilized egg that has attached itself to the uterine wall). The drugs in EC are completely different in composition and in action from the drugs used for medical abortion. This statement clarifies the differences and underscores EC's role in preventing unwanted pregnancy.