Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and is usually effective up to five days following unprotected sexual intercourse. Unprotected sexual intercourse means that either the woman did not use any contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy, or the birth control method failed (for example, a condom broke, figure above). The use of emergency contraception should be the last option for a woman who has experienced accidental and unprotected sexual intercourse, or whose birth control method has failed, or for whom abortion is not acceptable or accessible.

Emergency contraception can involve the use of either hormonal pills, or a copper-bearing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). However, neither method is a substitute for the correct use of other regular contraceptives. See the Box below for a summary of situations where emergency contraception can be appropriate.