E-commerce and emergency contraception.

This case study presents current trends potential advantages and challenges related to the use of e-commerce for the distribution of emergency contraception (EC). EC is an important “second-chance” method widely available around the world. It is generally available without a prescription but some forms of the medication still require one in some countries. This research confirmed that EC can be purchased online in a number of European North American and South American countries as well as in some Asian countries; there was no evidence of online access in Africa. Currently EC is sold online through several mechanisms including e-commerce marketplaces (such as Amazon.com) and pharmacy chains that sell medical products online. In addition a global reproductive health (RH) advocacy organization a U.S.-based clinic network and specialized online vendors in the U.S. are selling EC online. For various reasons EC is not available online in some countries in Europe and elsewhere. Key challenges that emerged include the cost of the drugs and shipping stigma (around online sales of medicines and RH supplies) and prescription requirements. In restricted environments where EC is not available through established channels online access offers unique opportunities for women to access EC.