Women’s Knowledge of, Access to, and Experiences with Emergency Contraception in New Brunswick

Abstract

Ensuring that women have timely access to safe, effective and affordable emergency contraception (EC) is of critical importance. There are four primary modalities of EC available in Canada: the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill (LNg-ECP), the copper-T intrauterine device (IUD), ulipristal acetate (UPA) and the Yupze method (combined oral contraceptive pills). This is a mixed methods study dedicated to exploring women’s knowledge of, access to and experiences with EC in New Brunswick (NB). This study consisted of a two-part mystery client study, a community-based survey, and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women in NB. The results of the mystery-client study indicate that 180 (87%) pharmacies had at least one brand of LNG-ECPs in stock. Although availability and knowledge of LNG-ECPs among NB pharmacists is relatively high, some are still providing incorrect medical and regulatory information. The findings of this study illustrate where improvement in pharmacy provision of LNG-ECPs in NB is required. Knowledge of EC among women in NB is relatively low, especially with respect to the IUD and UPA. Continuation of education efforts among pharmacists and sexual education teachers concerning ECPs in NB appears warranted. Exploring the barriers that NB women face in obtaining ECPs is not only imperative for improving access, but also yielding better quality reproductive health services in the province.