A news flash from a contact at SFSI (San Francisco Sex Information),
3/15/2002:

Apparently, this week, Emergency Contraception (EC) became available in all
San Francisco Walgreens through the Pharmacy Access Partnership - thanks to
a new law passed Jan 1 this year. This means that Emergency Contraception
can now be obtained at these Walgreens without first going to a doctor,
hospital or clinic. Emergency Contraception is a safe method of preventing
pregnancy after "unprotected sexual intercourse". It is most effective
(95%) if taken within 3 days. This will make it so much easier for women to
get EC - after hours especially, since Walgreens are open all the time.
Please spread the word about this!

For information on other pharmacies where EC can be obtained in other
counties, please visit http://www.ecp-help.org/.

- Unless a woman has a valid HAP/Family PACT card, MediCal or other health
insurance card that would cover the cost of the pills, the cost is $54.
Even if you have any of these, the consultation fee of $20 applies FOR
EVERYONE. If you have questions regarding this, you can ask the specific
pharmacy you call.

- Walgreens dispenses Plan B, in case you want to know what kind of EC they
use.

- For Family PACT clients the medication is free (except the $20
consultation fee) up to 3 times a year. After that you have to pay for it.

- Women should call the Walgreens first to make sure that there is a
pharmacist on staff when they go who has received the training to dispense
EC. Apparently, many, if not most of them are but it is still a good idea
to check before going in.

Thanks
Carlina Hansen
Executive Director, Women's Community Clinic
2166 Hayes St., #104
San Francisco, CA 94117
www.thewomensclinic.org
(415) 379-7800 phone
(415) 379-7804 fax