Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex or after a birth control method fails. While there are many emergency contraception options available in Canada, uOttawa provides the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill.
Emergency contraception available to students
The Feminist Resource Centre and the Student Health, Wellness and Support Sector have partnered to provide free emergency contraception to uOttawa students.
What’s emergency contraception?
Plan B
The Plan B emergency contraceptive pill works by temporarily delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), so that there’s no egg to meet the sperm (fertilization). It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or birth control failure. The sooner Plan B is taken, the better it works.
Plan B is not an abortion pill – it will not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or blood-borne infections.
Where can you get Plan B?
Free Plan B is available at the Student Health and Wellness Centre (801 King Edward Avenue, N203 (second floor) for uOttawa students.
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., five-minute, walk-in appointments with a nurse are available. You will be booked for a same day consult with a nurse to discuss intended use of Plan B and potential side effects.
Share your feedback
Complete a survey on Plan B accessibility on campus. All respondents will be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card.
Take the Plan B accessibility survey.
Sexual and reproductive health support available on campus
Plan B should not be used as a main method of birth control. To learn more about safer sex products and how to get them on campus, check out the resources below:
- How to get free safer sex products
- Book a personalized health education program appointment with a health promotion specialist to discuss your sexual and reproductive health
- Visit the Feminist Resource Centre | SÉUO - UOSUfor reproductive health products and gender equity initiatives.
If you need support for issues related to sexual violence, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response team at the Human Rights Office provides trauma-informed support and counselling that is free, neutral, confidential and intersectional.