She was already a client at Planned Parenthood and obtained the pills with just a telephone call. But for most women, access to ECPs can be difficult or even impossible. A Plan that Works Washington state is working to overcome this challenge by developing collaborative drug therapy agreements between volunteer pharmacists and licensed prescribers. These contracts enable pharmacists to prescribe ECPs directly to women. Participating pharmacists are required to undergo training that covers all aspects of ECP provision and counseling on contraceptive use, STD diagnosis, and treatment of sexual abuse.
Pharmacists can also refer women to physicians for future contraceptive care.
Launched in February 1998, the project already has 111 participating pharmacists who wrote and filled 2,765 ECP prescriptions. Statistically speaking, these prescriptions may have prevented 207 unintended pregnancies and 103 abortions. To-Go provides women with emergency contraceptive kits to keep at home for use when necessary. Planned Parenthood is currently evaluating the impact that these services have on the demand for emergency contraception. There s probably no health reason they shouldn t be.