Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery
Published on: February 3, 2026
Population effect of increased access to emergency contraceptive pills: a systematic review
Elizabeth G Raymond1, James Trussell, Chelsea B Polis
1Clinical Research Division, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. eraymond@fhi.org
Objective:
We systematically reviewed data on effects of increased access to emergency contraceptive pills on pregnancy rates and use of the pills.
Data Sources:
We searched MEDLINE, POPLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS, and we consulted with experts.
Methods Of Study Selection:
We included studies that compared the effect of different levels of access to emergency contraceptive pills on pregnancy rates, use of the pills, and other outcomes.
Tabulation, Integration, And Results:
Of the 717 articles identified, we selected 23 for review. The studies included randomized trials, cohort studies, and evaluations of community interventions. The quality of these studies varied. In all but one study, increased access to emergency contraceptive pills was associated with greater use. However, no study found an effect on pregnancy or abortion rates.
Conclusion:
Increased access to emergency contraceptive pills enhances use but has not been shown to reduce unintended pregnancy rates. Further research is needed to explain this finding and to define the best ways to use emergency contraception to produce a public health benefit.
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Pharmacodynamic Models: Linear Concentration–Effect Model
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
