The idea of Emergency Contraception is not a new to society, however it is still igniting many debates just as it did when it was first introduced to the United States. Emergency contraception continues to be a highly emotional and controversial issue, both for advocates who believe EC will lower the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions, and for opponents who believe that using EC amounts to an abortion. The controversy fueling this debate centers around one of the ways that emergency contraception works. Emergency contraception can prevent or delay ovulation, affect the movement of the egg or sperm: making them less likely to meet, it can also interfere with the fertilization process and prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. …show more content…

Giving teens more information about their options to prevent unintended pregnancy, including emergency contraception, is as important as improving access to it. (Galanos, 2009). Thought the debate rages on, it is clear that the use of an emergency contraceptive can be beneficial in most cases. Teens knowing their options can lower their chances for an unwanted pregnancy, along with a decrease of unsafe abortions, which is what both sides of the argument desire most. Making emergency contraceptives available without a prescription can have a significant impact on teen pregnancies.

References Anderson Orr, Anissa. (2009). Health Leader . University of Texas Health Science Center at Huston. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.healthleader.uthouston.edu/archive/Preventive_Health/2009/planb-0624.htm

CNN Health . (2009). CNN. Retrieved July 18, 2009, from http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/22/plan.b.age/ Dawn, Stacey M.Ed, LMHC. (2009). About.com . Retrieved July 18, 2009, from http://contraception.about.com/od/emergencycontraception/i/planbdebate.htm Galanos, Mike. (2009). CNN. CNN Health . Retrieved July 18, 2009, from