A - Z ServicesEmergency Contraceptive Pill
Community pharmacies offer free consultations for Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a form of female contraception that can be used after unprotected sex.
Pharmacies now provide free consultations for the ECP, commonly known as ‘the morning after pill’ for females under the age of 25 years throughout the Taranaki region.
This means ECP help and advice is available through an accredited ECP pharmacist when you can’t get in to see a doctor. A private area within the pharmacy is available for the consultation.
The emergency contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy by:
- delaying the release of an egg from your ovary until sperm are no longer active, and
- changing the lining of your uterus so a fertilised egg cannot implant and develop.
The emergency contraceptive pill is very successful at preventing pregnancy (96 to 99%).
ECP services will be available at any time the pharmacy is open (including after hours). Services are available to women under 25 years of age who are Taranaki residents.
Exclusions:
- Women who are 25 years and older
- Women who are not residents of Taranaki
Pharmacists are not prevented by law from supplying ECP, nor providing contraceptive advice, to people under the age of 16 years.
A prescription fee of $5 applies to the cost of the prescription co-payment but the consultation is free.