Some major drugstore chains in the United States are limiting the purchase of emergency contraceptives to up to three pills per customer, company representatives confirmed to CNN .
“Due to increased demand, we are currently limiting the purchase of Plan B contraceptive pills (the US name for the ‘morning after pill’) to up to three per customer,” said Alicja Wojczyk, senior manager of external communications for the network. Rite Aid.
While CVS has “ample stock” of Plan B and Aftera — two types of emergency contraceptives — the company is limiting purchases to “ensure equal and consistent access to stock on store shelves,” as reported by Matt Blanchette. , senior manager of commercial communication at CVS Pharmacy.
Emergency contraceptives reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Examples of common situations in which they are used are after birth control pills are forgotten, or when the condom used breaks. In cases of rape and sexual harassment, they can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy resulting from violence.
The emergency contraceptive purchase limit comes after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade this Friday (24), which withdraws the federal constitutional right to abortion across the country. Several states immediately moved to ban abortion.
“Using (emergency contraceptives) does not cause abortion. An abortion ends an existing pregnancy. These medications prevent pregnancy from happening. They must be used right after unprotected intercourse to be effective. They do not work if the pregnancy has already started,” the ACOG said.
“Morning-after pills” are a form of emergency contraception. Some can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies, others require a prescription.
Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) can also be used as an emergency contraceptive if inserted within five days of intercourse.
American women also face problems related to the shortage of menstrual pads in pharmacies. Product prices have increased significantly – nearly 10% over last year, according to Bloomberg.
According to experts, the shortage could be related to the global supply crisis, leading to a shortage of key materials such as cotton and plastic.
Source: CNN Brasil
