n campaign (Klima, 1998). They spread the word about emergency contraception nationwide by use of public service announcements and advertisements in magazines and outdoor venues (Skolnick, 1997). These two organizations also started the Emergency Contraception Hotline. This hotline informs callers about emergency contraceptions and provides information about where to access the service in their area. In addition a website was launched. For the past 20 years, emergency contraception has been available to women and their health care providers but has been under used for a variety of reasons in part because of health care givers lacking in knowledge and differences within pharmaceutical and governmental agencies (Klima, 1997). Now, with more awareness about emergency contraception, it should be available to any patient who requests it. There is no reason to deny the method based on when in the cycle the unprotected intercourse occurred. Planned Parenthood Federation of America recently changed it's medical standards and guidelines to allow provisions of emergency contraceptive pills to any patient with a history of unprotected intercourse in the past 72 hours and a normal last menstrual period regardless of medical risk factors for oral contraceptives. In addition, they offer their patients who have had a complete history and physical exam in the last year the option of receiving emergency contraceptive pills for use in the future if the need arises (Morgan and Deneris, 1997).It is important for women to take an active role in controlling their reproductive futures and be able to prevent the crisis of an unintended pregnancy. Discussing emergency contraception with patients regularly will allow them to take part in their health care decisions and diminish stressors that go along with unplanned pregnancies. With that in mind, it is necessary of health care workers to provide patients with complete and accurate information concer...
