Health Information

For quick facts over the phone, call Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area's information and referral hotline at 312-427-2ASK (427-2275)

For information on abortion services:

Rockford: 815-963-4101 (Northern Illinois Women’s Health Center)
Chicago: 312-266-1033 (Planned Parenthood)

Emergency Contraception Facts

Emergency Contraception can prevent pregnancy up to three days after sex.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) do not cause abortion; rather, they inhibit ovulation, fertilization or implantation before a pregnancy occurs. Emergency contraception may be used when contraceptive methods fail, are misused or not used at all, and when women are sexually assaulted. They are not a substitute for ongoing contraceptive use and do not protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. THEY CAN REDUCE THE NUMBER OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES AND ABORTIONS BY HALF ANNUALLY.

ECPs can also improve reproductive health. The need for ECP's can bring women, and young women in particular, into family planning centers where they can receive other services and counseling. It provides a bridge to ongoing contraception and disease prevention for those who choose to remain sexually active.

NARAL, Emergency Contraception: The Nation's Best-Kept Secret, Robert A. Hatcher

For more information, call Planned Parenthood at 312-427-2ASK (427-2275).

EC4U - Emergency Contraception Online

Since November 2000 Planned Parenthood / Chicago Area (PP/CA) has been on line with three innovative services.

1. The web site www.plannedparenthoodchicago.com features information on sexual health, sexually transmitted infection, birth control, and gynecological care, and ways to access services and inquiries about employment and volunteer opportunities .
2. EC4U allows Illinois residents to go through a brief medical assessment on-line, and if approved, have a prescription submitted to a local pharmacy. The EC4U service is also available by phone at 866-222-EC4U (3248). Service hours are limited for both online or phone: Mon. 9-5, Tues. 8-4, Wed. & Thurs. 10-5:30, Fri. 9-1:30, and Sat. 10-1:30. Cost $40 for the online service plus the cost of the pills - anywhere from $15 at PP Health Centers to $28 to $35 from a pharmacy.
3. A 24 hour - 7 days a week Facts of Life Line containing over 100 messages regarding sexual health, pregnancy and relationship information. It has extended coverage for the Information & Referral Hotline at 312-427-2ASK (2275). It will soon offer a Spanish option.