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

"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 • Mar. 29, 2025

According to the attorney general’s office, 362 claims for emergency contraception filed during that time will be reimbursed immediately after information with hospitals is verified.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 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 oral levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill is one of the most popular choices of emergency contraception and is widely used in most countries.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023