The New York Times today examines U.S. access to emergency contraception, which can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Approximately 4% to 5% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 have used EC, and birth control advocates attribute this "low" percentage to limited access. According to the Times, advocates and lawmakers are considering a "variety of mechanisms" to improve access to the pills in doctors' offices, clinics and emergency rooms, including legislation that would allow women to obtain EC without a doctor's prescription. However, critics of EC say that it "cause[s] rather than prevent[s] abortions and should not be available at all," the Times reports. (Stryker, New York Times, 3/11). The complete article is available online.