The emergency contraception (EC) pill, Plan B is available in pharmacies without a prescription for men and women age 17 and over. In California, women age 16 and under and women without proof of age can obtain EC with a doctor's prescription or directly from a pharmacist participating in the pharmacy access program. As the non-prescription costs of Plan B are approximately $40-50, provider prescription of Plan B is still important to ensure insurance coverage by Medi-Cal and Family PACT.

Plan B or “the morning after pill" is a safe and effective oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected intercourse. If taken within the first 24 hours, it reduces the risk of pregnancy by 95%. If taken within 72 hours, effectiveness decreases to 87 to 90%.  If taken 72-120 hours after sex, effectiveness decreases to 72 to 87%. After 120 hours it is significantly less effective and no longer recommended.

Several LAC DPH programs, including Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, the Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology, the Office of Women's Health, and the Sexually Transmitted Disease Program, are working together with partners on the CA EC Network to increase awareness of and access to EC in Los Angeles County and the State of California.

Information for Patients about Plan B - Emergency Contraception: It is not too late to prevent pregnancy. (English)

Information for Patients about Plan B - Emergency Contraception: It is not too late to prevent pregnancy. (Spanish)

Provider Information

Consumer Information

EC Resources

California Family Health Council Toll-Free EC Hotline - (800) 521-5211

Pharmacy Access Partnership Website

The Emergency Contraception Website

Planned Parenthood Website

CA EC Network - Ingrid Dries-Daffner, CA EC Network Coordinator, (510) 272-0150 or iddaffner@phi.org

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