Introducing emergency contraceptive pill services at family planning clinics in Philadelphia: the organizational and social context. Report.

A study was conducted by the Pacific Institute for Womens Health to assess the response of directors staff and clinicians at eight Philadelphia family planning clinics regarding two approaches in increasing womens access to emergency contraception pills (ECPs). The two schemes were: 1) the Reproductive Health Technology Projects emergency contraception public media campaign; and 2) the Family Planning Councils (FPC) new policy to offer ECPs in advance to all family planning clients. The study goals were: to examine changes in ECP distribution; determine the perception of organizational staff; describe management and program factors; and identify potential challenges and offer recommendations on integrating ECPs into family planning. Information was gathered through surveys and face-to-face interviews. Findings indicate that the introduction of a new family planning method needs relevant planning with providers and clients. Prior educational activities with the wider community of health care professionals and the public are also required. Moreover the policy of the FPC to implement the advance provision of ECPs to all family planning clients has resulted to increased accessibility to more women in need. Demands for the new method were overwhelming even after the implementation of the FPC policy and media campaign.