Many people, especially those who are conservative and religious, oppose the concept of birth control pills and any form of contraception. Aside from intervening in the natural process of procreation, the concept of contraception, if not used properly for its purpose --- may promote premarital sex, sexual promiscuity, and abortion.

However, unintended pregnancies happen each year, not just in the United States but even all over the world. There are different reasons why unintended pregnancy happens: a possible tearing of the condom, a diaphragm slipping out of position, a missed dosage of birth control pills in a row, or forgetting to use birth control due to a spur-of-the-moment passion and lovemaking, or even forced intercourse such as rape.

Studies reveal that without the aid of contraception, eight in 100 women who have had one act of unprotected intercourse during the second or third week of their cycle are likely to become pregnant. However, with the proper and timely use of emergency contraception, only two women in 100 would be in the same situation.

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) fall into two categories: one is a combination of estrogen and progestin; and the other is a progestin-only pill. Depending on when they are taken during the menstrual cycle, ECPs can inhibit or delay ovulation; inhibit transport of the egg or sperm; or alter the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

ECPs, also known as the ?Morning-After Pill?, must be taken within 72 hours of the unprotected intercourse. The earlier a woman takes them within the 72-hour time period, the more effective it becomes.

These pills are taken in two doses, with the second dose taken 12 hours after the first. Each dose may entail the use of one, two, four, or even five pills depending on the brand. You need a prescription to get ECPs, although some medical providers are now writing prescriptions in advance.

In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration declared ECPs to be safe and effective. That same year, however, only 10 percent of health professionals discussed emergency birth control on a routine basis with their patients, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Forty-one percent of Americans are still unaware of the existence of ECPs. In fact, only 11 percent of women aged 18 to 44 have both heard of ECPs and know that the pills need to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

Experts estimate that as many as 1.7 million of the over 3 million unintended pregnancies that happen each year in the United States could potentially be prevented by the use of ECPs. This includes as many as 800,000 pregnancies that now result in abortions.

Unintended pregnancy crosses all boundaries: age, race, ethnicity, social class. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, educated or not. All of us makes mistakes. There will always be pros and cons in everything we do. It's up to us to use our better judgment based on the situation. Consult your doctor about emergency birth control in your next visit.