DefinitionEmergency contraception is a method to prevent pregnancy in women who have had unprotected sex, or for whom a barrier method has failed (slipped condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap, or broken condom).Alternative NamesMorning-after pill; Postcoital contraception; Birth Control - emergency; Plan BInformationEmergency contraception may be used following many different situations, including:After intercourse in which no birth control method is usedSexual assault or rapeWhen a condom breaks or a diaphragm slips out of placeWhen a woman forgets to take birth control pillsEmergency contraception medicine is not the same as the "abortion pill." A woman who knows she is pregnant takes the abortion pill with the intent to end an early pregnancy (usually 4 to 7 weeks after conception). Emerg