Emergency contraceptive pills often referred to as the “morning after pill” is a commonly used method to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills were developed to be used prior to sexual intercourse but can be effective up to 72 hours after intercourse warranting the common name, “morning after” pill. The widespread use of the morning after pill in South Africa is a cause for concern as it indicates that suitable methods of STD (sexually transmitted disease) prevention, like condoms, is not being utilized consistently given the high HIV/AIDS prevalence within the country.
