More than 80% of people who bought a morning-after pill as part of an over-the-counter sales trial have said they would buy the emergency contraceptive from the pharmacy again without a doctor’s prescription, according to research from a national pharmacy group.
Although women can get the drugs with a doctor’s prescription, over-the-counter purchases from pharmacies only started in November on a trial basis to allow better access to the pill for women who urgently need them.
If a morning-after pill is taken within 24 hours of intercourse, its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is 95%. The rate decreases over time and is only considered effective for a maximum of 72 hours.
