Emergency Contraception Research

Despite surprising technological advancements in modern contraception methods still unintended pregnancy is a worldwide problem that affects women, their families and the society as a whole. Unintended pregnancy can result from contraceptive non-use, misuse, contraceptive method failure and less commonly from rape. Adolescent women are more likely not to use and to misuse contraceptive than older women. Unintended pregnancy and its negative consequences can be prevented by access to contraceptive services & including emergency contraception (1, 2). Emergency contraception (EC) (post coital contraception) is a method of preventing pregnancy as a result of unanticipated sexual activity, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. Higher Education

Some 82% of unintended pregnancies in developing countries occur among women who have an unmet need for modern contraceptives; women using modern contraceptives account for only 18% of unintended pregnancies (8).The reasons why women (married and unmarried) do not use contraceptives most commonly include concerns about possible health and side-effects and the belief that they are not at risk of getting pregnant (9).

Emergency Contraception refers to several contraceptive methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex. World Health Organization endorsed EC and researches over the past 30 years have shown that these methods are safe and effective (10). Using of EC pills avoided about 51000 abortions in 2000. Overall 43% of abortion rates reduction in the US between 1994 and 2000 is attributable to increased EC use

The need for emergency contraception is clearly demonstrated by the occurrence of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion .If emergency contraception was easily available and distributed through clinics and non clinics channels along with appropriate advocacy and IEC activities millions of unwanted pregnancy and abortions could be averted (17,18).

Reports from developed countries show that the use of EC varies from place to place and the knowledge on correct use varies from 83% in Sweden to less than 60% in developing countries (14,21). One of the lowest percentages (10%) was observed in a study done in Ethiopia at the Addis Ababa University and Unity University College, Ethiopia (8) on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices affecting the use of EC. Findings from several studies indicate that women, who indicate that they know how to use EC, often report they have never used it (5, 6, 19, 20, 21, and