Rape and Emergency Contraception: What to Know
Emergency ContraceptionEmergency contraception (EC) is a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Options:
* Copper IUD, which is 99% effective - Most effective. Can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
* Levonorgestrel, also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B - Most common. Must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but the sooner the better.
* Ulipristal acetate, brand name Ella - Can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
The copper IUD, Levonorgestrel, and Ulipristal acetate do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the most effective form of protection from the transmission of the two infections.
After Rape
Emergency contraception should be offered to sexual assault survivors as soon as possible. All of the methods mentioned above will work best when taken as soon as possible, withing 72 hours at the most. Survivors of sexual assault have the following rights in most states that ensure access to EC quickly
- Confidentiality, meaning health care providers will not share a minor's health information without first receiving consent from a parent or guardian, except in limited situations where reporting abuse or other criminal behaviors might be mandatory.
- Freedom from parental/guardian consent for sexual health services to obtain care without consulting their parents or guardians.
Additionally, sexual assault crisis centers around the country usually carry doses of Levonorgestrel free of charge. A trained rape crisis counselor can help provide this if it cannot be gotten through a pharmacy or emergency department at a hospital.
In the cases a woman has gotten her period at least once, they can order Levonorgestrel online by using certain services such as Nurx to avoid having to see a doctor in person. However, a health care provider or rape crisis counselor might be recommended by these platforms just to be safe.