7 out of 1,000 Indian women seek emergency contraceptive pills, 57% obtain them from OTC

Health By Sumit Jha Oct 08, 2024 Read the article

CDSCO is considering a ban on over-the-counter (OTC) sales of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) in India – potentially making them prescription-only.

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Meanwhile, the government’s last National Family and Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) revealed that 57 percent of women obtained ECPs over the counter.

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Introduced in India in 2002, ECPs—commonly known as the morning-after pill—prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

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The private health sector, primarily pharmacies and drugstores, is the major source of emergency contraceptive pills.

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44.4% of women obtained ECPs from drugstores, 25.6% from government institutions, 16.3% from private doctors and clinics, and 7.2% from other shops.

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Interestingly, the survey found that less than one percent of women have ever used emergency contraceptive pills.

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In urban areas, 0.9 percent of women had used ECPs, compared to 0.6 percent in rural areas, making a total of only 0.7 percent—or 7 out of 1,000 women.

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