Women offered info on ‘morning-after pill’
Post Independent Staff
GLENWOOD SPRINGS ” Nine out of 10 women of reproductive age do not know about emergency contraception, according to a study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute.
Unlike other forms of birth control, “EC,” or the “morning-after pill,” can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado wants to make certain that women receive accurate information about EC. That’s why the organization is partnering with local Planned Parenthood health centers in Glenwood Springs and Aspen to offer a one-hour presentation about EC.
“EC should not be confused with RU-486,” said Stephanie Carroll, public education director for NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, who will be giving the presentations. “This is not an abortion pill.”
Instead, what EC does is delay ovulation or prevent fertilization from occurring. A woman takes two tablets of this progesterin-only emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex. In the first 24 hours after intercourse, EC can prevent 95 percent of unintended pregnancies, though effectiveness declines the later treatment begins.
“It’s not 100 percent,” said Terri Worm, manager of the Glenwood Springs’ Planned Parenthood health center. “Once implantation has occurred and pregnancy is established, it cannot cause abortion.”
The two local presentations will launch NARAL’s EC education campaign. Carroll said she will be speaking at 17 presentations around the state.
Worm is hopeful that people “from all walks of life,” including teens and health care professionals, come to the information presentations.
“EC provides an important safety net for women whose regular contraceptive method may have failed, or for women who may have had intercourse without contraception,” Worm said.
“Planned Parenthood advises that EC is not a substitute for correct use of regular contraceptives and provides no protection from HIV or sexually transmitted diseases,” she added.
Contact Carrie Click: 945-8515, ext. 518
– At the Glenwood Springs Community Center, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
– At the Schultz Health and Human Services Center in Aspen, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6.
– Call 945-8631 or 925-4334 for information.
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