Emergency Contraception (EC), also called the Morning-after Pill or Plan B, prevents pregnancy after sex. You can use EC right away - or up to five days after sex - if your condom broke, you didn't use birth control, etc.  If you are 18 or over, you can get EC over-the-counter but you will need a prescription if you are a female under 17. 

EC makes it much less likely you will get pregnant. But EC is not a substitute for your regular birth control AND also does not protect you from STD’s or HIV (only condoms do).  EC should not be used as your only protection against pregnancy.

If you need to get EC, the California Family Health Council’s Research division has a toll-free California EC Hotline (800) 521-5211 that can help you find an EC clinic or pharmacy.  I called the hotline to test it out and a really friendly person answered.  I told her I needed EC, provided her with my zip code, and she gave me the locations of places that carry EC.