Emergency Contraception in Brazil: Exploring the Journey of the Medication and Current Availability

Abstract

Brazil’s healthcare system currently offers a wide range of contraception options and emergency contraception (EC) has been among them since the late 1990s. Abortion, however, is severely legally restricted and high rates of both teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion plague the country. Given this context, levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) could play a significant role women’s health and lives. This research aimed to examine the journey of this medication in Brazilian society and assess its availability in three cities located in different regions of the country. To address these research objectives, I performed a textual and discourse analysis of written materials as well as a mystery client study. Despite the wide availability of ECPs in retail pharmacies, I found that religious beliefs and conservative values still hinder accessibility. The results suggest that awareness raising campaigns are needed and long overdue. However, there is also a need to employ novel strategies for improving access and engaging healthcare professionals. Further research and advocacy related to women’s reproductive health and rights in general, and EC in particular, appears warranted.