On March 21, The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood is celebrating National Back Up Your Birth Control Day! This project began six years ago in an effort to raise awareness about and increase the availability of Emergency Contraception-a safe and effective method of birth control. Following the 2007 General Assembly session, which was rife with anti-choice legislation and activity, Planned Parenthood has decided to offer the Richmond community FREE Emergency Contraception!

What is Emergency Contraception (EC)?
• Emergency Contraception is a safe and effective back-up form of birth control that can be used after failed contraception (condom breaking, diaphragm slipping) or sexual assault.
• It contains the same hormones as birth control pills but in a higher dosage.
• It does not affect an established pregnancy. It will not cause an abortion.
• If used within 24 hours after unprotected sex, it is 89% effective at preventing pregnancy. EC can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected sex but the sooner, the better.
• Emergency Contraception is now over-the-counter! As of August 2006, women and men 18 and older can purchase EC at pharmacies with valid proof of ID. Women under the age of 18 can get a prescription from their physician and then obtain EC.

Details
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Time: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
Location: The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood (3415 Floyd Avenue)
Who: Anyone who wants to obtain one FREE pack of EC. Women and men 18 and older can receive EC without a prescription (please bring ID proof of age). Women under the age of 18 will need to have a prescription. We can provide that plus FREE EC on March 21. Limit one pack per person.
Why: Because every woman deserves a second chance to protect herself against unintended pregnancy.

Questions? Please contact Courtney Jones at Courtney.jones (at) ppfa.org or 804-355-4358 x 14.

Please feel free to forward to any interested parties.