EC Advertising in Bulgaria
As evidenced by these pictures from Bulgaria, some European countries allow advertising of over-the-counter medical products. This particular ad is for EC and has been placed on the side of a shopping cart.
According to a report published by the Italian Ministry of Health (available in English), the abortion rate in Italy dropped by 9,3% in 2015. In April 2015, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) eliminated the mandatory prescription requirement for UPA EC pills for women older than 18, and in October 2015, AIFA eliminated the mandatory prescription requirement for LNG EC pills as well. This…
June 2020. The use of emergency contraception (EC) pills dropped in the United Kingdom during the months of lockdown due to COVID-19 crisis. According to news from the BBC and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, direct sales in the pharmacy fell by 50% from March to April. Prescriptions for EC pills issued by National Health Service (NHS)…

February 2024. On February 22, the Polish Parliament voted to approved access to emergency contraception pills without a prescription for individuals aged 15 and over. Following the approval by the Parliament, the bill will proceed to the Senate for further consideration. Upon approval by the Senate, the bill will then require the President’s signature to…
“Emergency contraception methods” (the EC wheel), a counselling tool for pharmacists and health providers published in May 2016 by ECEC, is now available in French, and can be used from tablets, cellphones and computers (on and off line). This tool is inspired in the WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC) wheel, and based on the…
July 2024. In the United States of America, a recent study observed an important decline in emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) dispensing a year after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, especially in states with more restrictive abortion policies. The Dobbs decision devolved regulations and competencies on abortion procedures to the states, eliminating the…
January 2026 — In December 2025, European Union (EU) institutions reached a political agreement on a revised Victims’ Rights Directive confirming that survivors of sexual violence have the right to access sexual and reproductive healthcare, including emergency contraception, abortion care, and STI testing, where permitted under national law. This agreement marks the first time EU…
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