Welcome to the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ECEC)

Founded in 2012, ECEC works to expand knowledge about and access to Emergency Contraception (EC) in Europe, and promotes the standardization of EC service delivery to ensure equitable access across the region. Since 2020, ECEC also works globally to advance access to EC.

EC is the only contraceptive method that can be used after sex, and it provides women with an additional opportunity to prevent a pregnancy.

Through this website, we hope to contribute to generating and sharing knowledge of EC in Europe and globally. Your contributions are essential to helping us achieve this goal, and we encourage you to share EC information about your country by writing to us at ecec [at] eeirh [dot] org.

Go directly to country-by-country information on EC access

Go directly to the online EC counseling tool (The EC wheel)

Latest News

Mifepristone as emergency contraception: New Cochrane review

September 2026. A new Cochrane review, published on 21 September 2026, adds to the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of mifepristone when used as emergency contraception (EC). The review found that both low- and medium-dose mifepristone EC pills (<25 mg and 25–50 mg, respectively) probably result in fewer pregnancies than levonorgestrel EC. Cochrane Despite…

Upcoming events on women’s health and access to medicines in Europe

September 2026. Upcoming events in Europe may be of interest to the emergency contraception and broader reproductive health community: Multistakeholder Workshop on Women’s Health | 28–29 September 2026 | Amsterdam (and online) The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will bring together patients, healthcare professionals, academia, industry and other stakeholders to discuss gaps and challenges in women’s…

Launch of WHO Guideline on Expanding Contraceptive Options (ECO)

September 2026. The World Health Organization (WHO) launches its new Guideline on Expanding Contraceptive Options (ECO), providing evidence-based recommendations on emerging contraceptive methods and service delivery practices. The guideline responds to requests from Member States and partners for guidance on contraceptive methods not yet included in the Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC), as…