Emergency contraception after sexual assault

Learn how to get low to no-cost emergency contraception (EC) or other confidential support services.

Get the facts

Emergency contraception (EC) can decrease the chance of pregnancy after sexual assault. To be effective, you must use EC as soon as possible, but no more than 5 days (120 hours) after sexual assault.

There are two types of EC:

1. A pill taken by mouth
2. An intrauterine device (IUD) (a small plastic device) placed in your uterus by a health care provider

EC pills may sometimes be called the “morning after pill". They work by preventing an egg from leaving the ovary (ovulation).

Learn more facts about emergency contraception or download an EC Patient Fact Sheet (available in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish).

Visit a hospital emergency room

Emergency departments (ED) are required by law to offer EC to a survivor seeking care after a sexual assault, whether or not a survivor completes a rape examination kit or reports the assault to the police. If the ED doctor does not think that it is safe for you to take EC, you can ask why. A medically and factually accurate reason must be documented in your medical record. 

If EC was not offered at your ED visit, or you were told that you needed to complete a police report or rape examination kit first, you can file a formal complaint by calling the DPH Division of Health Care Quality at [phone]. 

To learn more information about your rights as a survivor of sexual assault, download A Guide to Your Rights As a Survivor of Sexual Assault.

Visit a clinic, pharmacy, or search online

EC pills

If you want EC right away, and you are not going to the emergency department, you can visit a clinic, pharmacy, or search online for the pills by name: 

• ella^® is available with a prescription from a doctor or directly dispensed from a pharmacist. Ask your local pharmacist if they will dispense ella^® under a “statewide standing order” without a prescription.  
• Plan B One-Step^® can be sold to anyone of any age at most pharmacies. Pharmacies can also sell low-cost EC progestin-only pills (generics) without a prescription. You can order EC progestin-only pills online from websites like AfterPill.com and nurx.com/EmergencyContraception.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Intrauterine Devices (IUD) are another EC option. An IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if placed in the uterus by a health care provider within 5 days (120 hours) after sexual assault. An IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception. You can choose to have a healthcare provider remove the IUD at any time.  

Cost

• If you have MassHealth or another fully insured health plan, you can get EC at no cost. Learn more about the ACCESS law and find out if you are eligible. 
• If you don’t have insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover emergency contraception, you can pay for them at the pharmacy or purchase online (typically about $50).
• Health centers can provide EC pills confidentially and often at a lower cost than pharmacies. To find one near you, visit mass.gov/SRHClinics.

Find resources and support in your area

If you are a survivor and need help accessing services, help is available.

Search the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Resources Map for a list of Rape Crisis Centers, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner locations, district attorney offices, and housing facilities.

If you are unsure what type of assistance you need, a good first place to start would be to contact SafeLink, the statewide 24/7 domestic violence hotline, at [phone] or your local Rape Crisis Center.

Hotline	Contact information
Domestic Violence Hotline	Call: [phone] TTY: [phone]. Text:  "START" to 88788 Chat online
Massachusetts Rape Crisis Centers	Call: [phone] (English) or [phone] (Español) TTY: [phone] Visit SurviveRape.org
HIV/AIDS/STD Hotline	Call: [phone] TTY: [phone]