More Pharmacies Stocking EC, But More Work Needed
The results of the NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota Foundation's recent survey on emergency contraception availability in South Dakota are in. Let's start with the good news. More pharmacies in South Dakota are stocking Plan B. The phone survey, conducted by the Pro-Choice South Dakota Foundation from Nov. 17-22, found that 117 retail pharmacies in South Dakota reported stocking Plan B. A similar study done in 2007 found that 111 pharmacies reported stocking Plan B, indicating that there has been modest progress. Across both survey years 120 pharmacies have reported stocking EC. It is encouraging that more pharmacies are beginning to understand how important it is to have emergency contraception (EC) on their shelves. When taken as directed within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B reduces the chance of pregnancy by up to 89%. Improving access to contraception, including emergency contraception, is critical to helping women prevent unintended pregnancy and therefore reduce the need for abortion. So if your pharmacy stocks and dispenses EC, thank them. Customers age 18 and older are able to buy EC, sold under the brand name Plan B, at a pharmacy counter without a prescription. Unfortunately, South Dakota law allows pharmacists to refuse to dispense EC, and some do. That brings us to the not-so-good news. The survey found 66 pharmacies that reportedly don't stock Plan B. Another 30 refused to say whether they do or not. Women living in rural South Dakota face unique challenges in accessing emergency contraception. For example, a woman in Dupree might need to drive 105 miles one-way to buy EC in Philip, or 90 miles to Lemmon, the nearest pharmacies that reported stocking the medication. And because EC is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, our unfortunate Dupree resident might be out of luck. They call it “emergency” for a reason. Therefore we recommend that consumers call ahead and ask whether or not your pharmacy stocks and will dispense EC before making the trip. If they don't, request they consider stocking the medication in the future. Check out our new map that shows the cities in South Dakota which have pharmacies that reported carrying EC. You can also download our new brochure, “Plan B in South Dakota”. It will give you a list of pharmacies that say they stock EC. Remember to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy hasn't run out. You'd hate to drive all the way to Philip for no reason.
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