CVS and Rite Aid limiting purchases of emergency contraception

CNN has learned that representatives of large drugstore chains have restricted emergency contraception purchases to three per customer.

“Due to increased demands, at this moment we are limiting purchase of Plan B contraceptive tablets to three per customer,” Alicja Wojczyk (senior manager of external communications at Rite Aid), told CNN via email.

CVS Pharmacy’s senior manager of retail communications, Matt Blanchette, told CNN that CVS has a “mple supply of Plan B” and Aftera — two types emergency contraceptives — but that the company will limit purchases to three per customer. This is to ensure equal access and consistent supply on shelves.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), emergency contraception lowers the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intimate sex. It is commonly used in situations such as when a condom falls off or breaks, or after you forget to take several birthcontrol pills.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court on Friday, emergency contraception has been subject to a lower purchasing limit. Many states moved immediately to effectively ban abortions.

“Using (emergency contraception), does not cause an unplanned pregnancy. An abortion ends a pregnancy. EC prevents pregnancy. To be effective, EC should be used soon after sexual intercourse that is not protected. It doesn’t work if the pregnancy has already taken place,” ACOG said.

One type of emergency contraception is Pills such as Aftera and Plan B. Some can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Copper intrauterine device, or IUDs, may also be used to provide emergency contraception if they are inserted within approximately five days of intercourse.