Just a few days before the next World Contraception Day, the French Government has just announced that the morning-after pill, one of the methods of emergency contraception, will soon be free for all women. Health on the net takes stock, explanations.
Morning after-pill and emergency contraception
In parallel with the usual methods of contraception, there are methods of emergency contraception, to prevent the risk of unwanted pregnancy, after sexual intercourse at risk, that is to say, unprotected or poorly protected. In the majority of cases, the women concerned resort to the morning-after pill, hormonal emergency contraception.
To know! The installation of a copper IUD, or copper intrauterine device, proves to be the most effective emergency contraception. It must take place no more than five days after the presumed date of ovulation. It makes it possible to establish effective regular contraception.
For the morning-after pill, two hormonal drugs are currently available in France:
- Levonorgestrel, which must be taken within 3 days after risky intercourse;
- Ulipristal acetate, which must be taken within 5 days after unsafe sex.
The morning-after pill should be taken orally as soon as possible to be the most effective.
Free for minors, for those under 26, and now for everyone!
For years, the morning-after pill, which can prevent recourse to abortion (voluntary termination of pregnancy) and unwanted pregnancies, has been available without medical prescription in various places (pharmacies, school infirmaries, university health services, sexual health, etc.). Free and anonymous for minors, it remained until recently payable for adult women, unless issued with a medical prescription (65% reimbursement by Health Insurance). The price of the morning-after pill varied from 3 to around twenty euros, depending on where it was delivered.
For a few months, women under 26 could have free access to the morning-after pill and the fitting of an IUD or a diaphragm. However, a few days ago, the government decided to go further, announcing that access to hormonal emergency contraception would soon be free in pharmacies for all women, regardless of their age. In addition, women under the age of 26 will be able to benefit from free screening for sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ).
The morning-after pill must remain an emergency and exceptional contraception
These two measures will be included in the Social Security finance bill for 2023, which will be presented to the Council of Ministers on September 26, 2022. They will facilitate access to the morning-after pill for all women. . These measures represent an important step forward for women’s health in France.
The morning-after pill plays an essential role in preventing unwanted pregnancies and their consequences. But it must remain an exceptional means of contraception. It is essential that women are referred to a professional to choose an effective usual method of contraception. Indeed, the morning-after pill corresponds to the administration of a high dose of progestin hormone, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Not to mention that it does not protect against STIs, unlike the male condom.