The emergency contraceptive pill (EC), sometimes called the "morning after pill," can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, reports PlannedParenthood.org. It is a safe method of preventing pregnancy when you suspect your primary birth control method has failed. It works by preventing ovulation, or the release of an egg for fertilization, and by thickening a woman's cervical mucus to keep sperm from finding their way to the egg. It is not an abortion pill and will not cause a fertilized egg or embryo to eject from a woman's uterus. The morning after pill is available in most drugstores and health centers across the United States and depending upon your location, there are only a few regulations concerning it.
Step 1
Review your state's guidelines for obtaining the EC. You can do this at Guttmacher.org. A document is available showing all state regulations as of October 1, 2009. Some states only allow emergency rooms to dispense the EC and others do not allow a pharmacist to dispense the pill. Planned Parenthood states on their website that they will provide the pill in nearly every state as long as it is not in violation of any regulations.
Step 2
Find a location to purchase the emergency contraceptive pill. There are several ways to do this. You can call a national hotline at (800) 584-9911. It is a 24 hour number and according to Now.org, they provide information in English and Spanish. Another option for locating the pill is to log on to the internet and browse to Not-2-Late.com to find a location using your zip code.
Step 3
Purchase the EC at your local drugstore or health care center if you are over the age of 17. Some women may have difficulty obtaining the pill if there are regulation in your state or if the local health care facilities are Catholic, states PlannedParenthood.org.
Step 4
Obtain a prescription for the EC from your physician if you are under the age of 17. Minors are required to obtain a prescription for the pill. Planned Parenthood recommends keeping one EC on hand as a back up.
