FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Plan B NOLA?
Plan B NOLA is a grassroots network distributing EC for free or by-donation across the greater New Orleans area. We are a project of the Reproductive Justice Action Collective (ReJAC). We are not healthcare providers, rather community members who want to increase access to this important and time-sensitive medication.  Learn more about the project on our About page.
What is EC?
EC stands for Emergency Contraception, also known as "the morning after" pill or "Plan B." We use a Afterpill or Preventeza, generic brands of the Plan B (levonorgestrel 1.5mg) tablet.

​Emergency contraception (EC) is a method of preventing pregnancy soon after unprotected sex.  There are 4 options of EC currently available, but only one method is available over-the-counter (without a prescription or doctor's office visit) at your local pharmacy or drugstore.  Over-the-counter EC is effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. 
Why would I need EC?
Sometimes condoms break, or you start your pack of pills late, or just didn't use birth control this time.  Although it is difficult to measure, EC helps prevent pregnancy by up to 88% when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Is EC safe to take?
EC is safe and effective. EC has no long term or serious side effects, but you may experience some minor side effects — an irregular period, nausea, headache, cramping, or belly pain.
What happens when I contact the healthline?
Our Healthline Manager (HLM) will greet you and ask you for:
(1) your name;
(2) neighborhood;
(3) how long since the unprotected sex;
(4)whether you need pickup or delivery; and
(5) if you need 1 pill or 2, based on your weight.

Then, the HLM will reach out to our Community Service Members on call or locate an Outpost closest to you.
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You will receive our Plan B NOLA EC pack. Our packs contain the EC pill(s), condoms, a pregnancy test to take in 15 days, and our Plan B NOLA Reproductive Health zine.

Please note that many of our CSMs are mandatory reporters.  This means that if a minor (anyone below the age of 18) discloses abuse (sexual or otherwise) to a CSM who is a mandatory reporter, the CSM must report the abuse to the state.
Does my weight effect how well the pill works?
It could.  Studies have shown that a dose of the pill is less effective for those over 165 pounds.  A small study showed that taking 2 doses could make it more effective.  If this is a concern, you can ask us for a second dose.

Although 2 pills of over-the-counter EC may be more effective than 1 or none, there are 2 other options that are more effective for anyone, especially those with higher BMIs. Both need a prescription.  They are Ella and the Paragard IUD.  You can read more about them here.  If accessing these methods isn't possible, we are happy to provide 2 pills of the over-the-counter EC.
Is EC the abortion pill?
No. EC will not ​affect an already existing pregnancy.  If you know you are pregnant, do not take EC.  There are no dangers associated with taking it.  If you need resources on how to access abortion care, see ReJAC's Resources page.
What happens if I get the EC from a Community Outpost?
Picking up EC from a Community Outpost is fast and easy. Our Outposts are safe and nonjudgemental places where you can go to pick up EC during their business hours. Call ahead to make sure they're open, give your name or nickname and let them know how many pills you need.When you get there, let a staff member know your name and that you're picking up an EC pack. They will give you the pack. For more info about Outpost and a full list of current locations, visit our Outpost page.
I work somewhere that might be interested in being a Community Outpost.  What can I do?
Get in touch!  We especially need Community Outposts that are open on the weekend and are looking to partner with additional places in New Orleans East, the West Bank, the Lower 9th Ward, Metairie, and Kenner.
What is your delivery service area?
We offer limited delivery to Orleans Parish, Metairie, Jefferson, Elmwood, Harahan, Kenner, Westwego, Marrero, Harvey, and Gretna.
This page was last updated on : March 23, 2021 at 2:44pm