NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts : Issues

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Massachusetts EC Law

Modified: 07/31/2009

In 2005, Massachusetts became the 8th state in the nation to improve access to EC.

The Emergency Contraception Law requires hospital emergency rooms to make EC available to rape survivors and allows pharmacists to dispense EC without a prescription to women of all ages through a collaborative agreement with a physician. For detailed information on the implementation of the law, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.

With the passage of this bill, women can access EC in the early hours after unprotected intercourse when it’s most effective. Better access to EC means fewer unintended pregnancies.

The following states have passed similar legislation: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington.

The bill was endorsed by: Boston Public Health Commission; Jane Doe, Inc.; The Mass. Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence; Mass. ACOG - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Mass. Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians; Mass. Coalition for Choice; Mass. Board of Registration in Pharmacy; Mass. Family Planning Association; Mass. Independent Pharmacists Association; Mass. Medical Society; Mass Pharmacists Association; Mass. Public Health Association; Tapestry Health; and Women’s Bar Association.

Click here for more information about emergency contraception from the Massachusetts EC Network.