Published by the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception in May 2016, this tool was initially conceived for use in Europe, where most countries have all oral EC methods available directly from the pharmacy since 2015.
The EC wheel is based on WHO and the UK Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare recommendations for EC use. The methods included are the Copper IUD, levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate EC pills. Recommendations are provided on what method is preferable to use in a number of circumstances. Clarifications and brief recommendations on additional protection after EC use and QuickStart are included in the back of the wheel.
A lot of generous people contributed to this project: Medard Lech (Poland) had the idea of creating such a tool. Anna Altshuler (USA) developed the content and conceptualized its format. Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson (Sweden), Sharon Cameron (Scotland), Tara Jatlaoui (USA), Caron R. Kim (USA), Mary Linn Gaffield (WHO), Elizabeth Westley (USA), Kelly Cleland (USA), Mihai Horga (Romania) and Anne Webb (United Kingdom) generously provided technical feedback to our first and second pilots. ECEC Board members reviewed the final pilot and provided technical advice. The European Society for Contraception and Reproductive Health provided financial and scientific support. Teresa Canal (Barcelona) was in charge of the design. And I had the pleasure to facilitate and coordinate the whole process.
As of March 2017 the EC wheel is accessible on-line thanks to the support of the World Health Organization and the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities for Women and Children. However, if you are interested in printing a set of copies, or to translate it and adapt if for use in your country, please get in touch with us at info@ec-ec.org.
