emergency contraception

American  

[ih-mur-juhn-see kon-truh-sep-shuhn] / ɪˈmɜr dʒən si ˌkɒn trəˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

1. a method for preventing pregnancy taken or used after sexual intercourse has already occurred, usually because other methods were unavailable or rendered ineffective.

   If you've had unprotected sex recently and have missed pills from the first seven days of your pack, you may need emergency contraception.

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Etymology

Origin of emergency contraception

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The vast majority of the prescriptions filled in the country are for generic drugs, from penicillin to blood thinners to emergency contraception, and many of those come from overseas, including India and China.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2025

Customers ask daily about the supplies, she told the couple, especially emergency contraception.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024

Mary Ziegler, a leading historian of contraception and abortion policies who was not involved in the survey, said the findings suggest emergency contraception has become more popular than barrier methods for some women.

From Washington Times • Dec. 14, 2023

The World Health Organisation has called for emergency contraception pills - commonly known as morning-after pills - to be routinely included within all national family planning programmes.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2023

We hope these findings will lead to further research and ultimately changes in clinical guidelines to enable women around the world to access more effective emergency contraception.'

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023