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The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) – Pioneers in the Struggle to Provide Emergency Contraception Access to Canadian Women

Ottawa, Ontario – April 19, 2005 – Health Canada announced the much anticipated decision to allow access to emergency contraception (EC) without a physician’s prescription. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) strongly supports making EC available to women in Canada directly from pharmacists, without a physician’s prescription.

“It is estimated that 50% of all pregnancies are unintended. Emergency contraception has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy and the number of abortions performed. Given the significant psychological, social and economic impact of improving access to emergency contraception for women across Canada, this is a significant step forward in women’s rights and health,” explains Dr. André Lalonde, Executive Vice-President of the SOGC.

The SOGC pioneered the struggle to give women have access to EC without a doctor's prescription. Work began on this initiative when the SOGC adopted a motion to develop a strategy to ensure access to EC for Canadian women in November, 1988. The SOGC has worked closely with the Canadian Pharmacist Association to educate and advocate officials in Health Canada on this important topic through the formation of their Emergency Contraception Advisory Board.

The SOGC and its members strongly encouraged a timely review of the submission by the Therapeutics Products Directorate at Health Canada. In November 2001, the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee agreed that Plan B meets the requirements for pharmacist-only (behind-the-counter) status.

“Many delays and stumbling blocks made the road to success a long one. Today, the SOGC is pleased the work of several dedicated women’s health advocates has resulted in better EC access for Canadian women,” states Dr. Vyta Senikas, Assistant Executive Vice-President, SOGC.

The nature of emergency contraception is that it needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and started within a maximum of 72 hours. EC is not an abortifacient and has no affect if pregnancy has been established. The SOGC believes that the availability of emergency contraceptive pills from a pharmacist, without the need for a woman to see a physician first, will greatly improve timely access, especially on weekends.

“The SOGC would like to recognize our dedicated SOGC members for their tireless commitment and dedication to improving women’s healthcare in Canada,” says Dr. Lalonde.

About the SOGC

Founded in 1944, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is comprised of over 2,700 professional members, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A leading authority on reproductive health care, the SOGC produces national guidelines for both public and medical education on important women's health issues. The Society's mission is to promote optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Last Updated April 19, 2007