MMSA Statement Emergency Contraception – MAP Fact Sheet
In light of the recent controversy regarding the introduction of the Morning After Pill (MAP), the Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) would like to express its concern regarding to the misinformation circulating amongst the Maltese population. It has therefore compiled the following information, derived from reliable and health information sources, and also consulted with the relevant medical specialists. Emergency contraception, in the form of a drug or/and IUD, is used to try to prevent pregnancy in cases such as following unprotected intercourse, contraceptive accidents (e.g., torn condoms), coerced sex and rape. It may even be relevant when the mother is not physically fit to carry a child, financially stable or for other reasonsIt is important to understand why emergency contraception might be considered an option in the first place. To date, Malta is the only EU country which does not offer access to emergency contraception. [1] Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, sell it over the counter or with prescription, requested after such cases as above. [2] The only form of emergency contraception available in Malta is the Yuzpe regimen [3], which involves taking an increased dose of the oral contraceptive pill after unprotected sexual intercourse. The normal dose of the oral contraceptive pill is not enough to prevent pregnancy after intercourse. This is where the MAP comes in. Two types are available on the market: Levonelle (Plan B) and Ullipristal (EllaOne). Contents of the MAP Levonelle is the most commonly used option for emergency contraception. It consists of a single (1.5mg) dose of the progesterone levonorgestrel. [4] (The amount of the active hormone in a single dose is less than half of that found in the normal cycle of contraceptive pills, therefore having less side effects). [5] EllaOne consists of a selective progesterone receptor modulator which blocks the action of progesterone. [9] Mechanism of action