Survey Finds Majority of SD Pharmacies Stock EC
Survey: Majority of South Dakota Pharmacies Stock Emergency Contraception Availability Still Lacking in Rural Areas of State
Sioux Falls – A recent survey on the availability of emergency contraception in South Dakota found that more pharmacies reported they are stocking emergency contraception, but the medication is not readily available in some rural areas of the state. Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the “morning-after pill” and by the brand name Plan B, is an FDA-approved method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. When taken as directed within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B reduces the chance of pregnancy by 89 percent. EC is a higher dosage of the same ingredient found in regular birth control pills. The phone survey, commissioned by the NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota Foundation from Nov. 17-22, found that 117 pharmacies in the state reported stocking Plan B. 66 pharmacies said they did not stock it, and 30 refused to answer. During a similar study in 2007, 111 pharmacies reported stocking Plan B. A total of 120 pharmacies in the state reported stocking Plan B in at least one of the two surveys. “It is encouraging that an increasing number of pharmacies in South Dakota understand how important it is to have emergency contraception available for those who need it,” said Casey Murschel, Executive Director of the NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota Foundation. “We want to thank those pharmacies that stock EC. Improving access to contraception, including emergency contraception, is critical to helping women prevent unintended pregnancy and therefore reducing the need for abortion.” Customers age 18 and older are able to buy EC, sold under the brand name Plan B, at a pharmacy counter without a prescription. However, since South Dakota law allows pharmacists to refuse to dispense EC, consumers need to know whether the pharmacy stocks EC and if the pharmacist will dispense it. Women living in rural areas of South Dakota face unique challenges to access emergency contraception. For example, the survey found that a woman in Dupree, S.D., might need to drive 105 miles one-way to buy EC in Philip, or 91 miles to Lemmon, the nearest pharmacies that report stocking it. Because EC is most effective taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy, such delays could render the drug ineffective. “They call it ‘emergency' for a reason,” Murschel said. “Time is of the essence if a woman's primary contraceptive method fails or if she is the victim of a sexual assault. To be effective, EC must be taken within a limited timeframe. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. We recommend that women always call ahead to make sure that their pharmacy stocks it and will dispense it, especially before traveling long distances.” The lack of access to EC in some rural areas, as noted in the survey, highlights the importance of backing up birth control. The announcement of the survey results coincides with the distribution of the “Plan B in South Dakota” brochure for consumers and “Back Up Your Birth Control” Day, Wednesday, March 25. *** Media availability: Casey Murschel, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota, is available to discuss the results of the survey. Reporters who want to schedule an interview should contact her at 605-334-5065 or 605-940-6168. # # #
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