Morning After Pill May Soon Be in Costa Rica
The morning-after pill, recently approved for over the counter sale, is becoming a controversy in Costa Rica, even though it has yet to be offered for the sale in Costa Rica.

The Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) assures that no one has yet made a request to offer the pill for sale n Costa Rica, though it does it expect an application any day soon.

The morning-after pill has been proven to prevent at least 50% of expected pregnancies in women who take them. It is commonly believed that they actually prevent at least 75% of pregnancies, and their effectiveness may be higher if taken within 24 hours of intercourse.

The morning-after pill is an option for women who have been raped.

As opposed to regular methods of contraception, the morning-after pill is considered for use in occasional cases only, for example in the event of contraceptive failure. Since they act before implantation, they are considered medically and legally to be forms of contraception. And that is where the controversy lies.

There are groups who are opposed to all types of contraception and others who feel that the morning-after pill will lead to more promoscuity, especially in teens. In the United States the over-the-counter sale is restricted to those 18 years of age and over.

Despite the controversy surrounding the morning-after pill, the Ministra de Salud, Dra. María Luisa Ávila Agüero, defends the use of the pill and as such we the pill may soon be on the pharmacy counters in Costa Rica.