Morning-after pill

As Patrizia observes… “How do I imagine a world where everyone can choose? It is unbelievable, but I cannot imagine it right now, it seems such a long way, but we have to start somewhere. For me, it means starting by becoming aware, not taking anything for granted, and asking myself a lot of questions; therefore, I want to thank you for making us aware”

The morning-after pill is used for post-coital hormonal emergency contraception. Its action inhibits or delays the ovulation, but it does not affect the potential implantation of the fertilized egg. For increasing its efficacy, it has to be taken as soon as possible after a risky intercourse. It is not an abortion drug, and it has no effect if the conception has already happened.

Today, the morning-after pill is available in its classical formula with levonorgestrel (to be taken within 72 hours), or in its formula with ulipristal acetate (marketed in Italy as EllaOne), which has to be taken within 5 days, therefore with an efficacy of until 120 hours. Despite scientific evidence, the latter is often subject of political debates and ideological attacks trying to equate it to RU486*.

Since 2017, emergency contraception is included in the WHO list of essential drugs, which confirms its fundamental role in public health. In 2020, Italy eliminated the need of a medical prescription for minors to buy it, thus extending the access to this tool.

Access to emergency contraception is fundamental for guaranteeing bodily autonomy. Choosing whether or not to have children, and when, is fundamental for exercising sexual and reproductive rights. To guarantee correct information, accessibility to services, and absence of ideological barriers means to promote an informed sexual health as well as to support the right to take informed decisions on one’s body and future.

*RU486 is a pharmacologic drug used for voluntary interruption of pregnancy.