Thank you for your excellent editorial, “A move forward for Plan B” published on Dec. 17. Emergency contraception (EC), like Plan B, is an effective and medically safe pregnancy prevention option for women who experience unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or sexual assault. Increased access to EC can prevent a whole lot of heartache as it reduces unintended pregnancy and significantly reduces the need for abortion.

Aside from the work the FDA is doing, there is other good news surrounding EC.

• EC can prevent pregnancies up to at least five days after unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the better its effectiveness.

• Low cost EC is readily available at our four offices in Auburn, Norway, Farmington and Rumford., as well as other family planning offices throughout the state.

• In Maine, there is a toll-free EC hot line, 1-800-887-4029, that women can call and talk to a nurse practitioner to get EC in the evenings and on weekends.

• Also in Maine, there is pending legislation that will expand access to EC by allowing pharmacists to provide EC.

Again, thank you for supporting EC and helping to spread the word that women who have had unprotected sex have a much better option than crossing their fingers.

Sara Hayes, clinical director, Tri-County Health Services of Western Maine Community Action, Auburn

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