India approves emergency contraception for nonprescription sales

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization on Wednesday approved emergency contraception for nonprescription sales in the country, the... Hindu reports. No official notification was required for the change in EC's status, but manufacturing companies have been informed of the decision. EC will be available in the form of pills, which can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, as well as intrauterine devices, which can prevent pregnancy if implanted within five days of sexual intercourse.

 

Access to EC might help Indian women take control of their reproductive health, according to Sudha Tewari, managing director of Parivar Seva Sanstha, a nongovernmental organization that focuses on reproductive health.