Get Emergency Contraception NOW
Under 18?
If you are under 18, you will need a prescription to purchase emergency contraception from a pharmacy (one exception is explained below). You have two options:
Visit a clinic or doctor’s office
The clinics and medical offices listed in our directory can provide you with a prescription for emergency contraception that you can take to a pharmacy to buy the pills. Some clinics may also have emergency contraceptive pills that you can buy directly. Call ahead and ask:
- Do I need to come in for an appointment to get a prescription for emergency contraception? Some clinics will call in a prescription for emergency contraception to a local pharmacy without requiring an office visit.
- Will you notify my parents if I get a prescription for emergency contraception? While there is no national or state law requiring that clinics notify parents when their child requests birth control, some providers may have a policy of doing this. Be sure to ask if this is of concern to you.
Click here to find a clinic near you.
Ask a friend or family member for help
Any woman or man 18 or older can purchase emergency contraceptive pills from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Click here to find a pharmacy near you.
The exception
In some states, women under 18 can get emergency contraceptives directly from some pharmacists without a prescription. This is possible because of special pharmacy regulations in these states. Even in states that allow this, not all pharmacists participate, so be sure to call ahead to see a participating pharmacist is on duty. To see if you live in a participating state, click here.