New Study Will Look at Effects of Emergency Contraception
Dr. Heather Prescott, a Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University, is working on a book about the history of emergency contraception (aka “ec,” or “plan B”). Dr. Prescott’s book will describe the history of emergency contraception from the 1960s until the present and place this story within the larger context of women’s health activism in the second half of the twentieth century.
A major focus of the book will be the role women patients played in the dissemination of this technology. This project will show women not only as test subjects for this new method of birth control but also as active health care consumers. By providing a historical account of the development of emergency contraception, this study will help illuminate recent debates regarding over-the-counter status for this drug in the United States. It will also provide a model for how to move beyond the venture capital model that drives much of the research and development of new pharmaceuticals in the United States.
Dr. Prescott needs your help. If you have used emergency contraception, please take some time to complete Dr. Prescott’s survey. She is particularly interested in hearing from women who utilized emergency contraception in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s, since most of her respondents have experienced emergency contraception in the past two decades. However, all women are encouraged to participate. The survey will not collect any personally identifying information, like your name or IP address.
For more information, please e-mail Dr. Prescott directly.
