emergency contraception

[ih-mur-juhn-see kon-truh-sep-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emergency contraception¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Medical experts and reproductive health groups note that while some anti-abortion advocates classify IUDs and emergency contraception as “abortifacients,” these products prevent pregnancy and are not abortion-inducing.

From Salon

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

Emergency contraception is already free of charge from most GPs and sexual health clinics but ministers say getting it over the counter is more of a "postcode lottery".

From BBC

Emergency contraception is medication designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

From BBC

"Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live," he said.

From BBC