Emergency contraception in clinical practice: global perspectives.

Access to reliable contraception is often unavailable. Unsafe abortion yearly causes death for thousands and disabling illness for millions worldwide. Insufficient information, negligence, inappropriate contraception, poverty and poor education contribute to these serious sequelae of unintended pregnancy. Identification of those at risk, the provision of appropriate information and access to emergency contraception (EC), and male involvement are emphasized. Improved knowledge, better attitudes, enhanced practice of EC, and determined providers might meet the requirements of the next century.