Emergency Contraception in Middle Georgia: Understanding Options & Access

Question
Hi there,
I'm a writer for a local paper here and am trying to collect information about emergency contraception.  I live in middle-georgia and it is nearly impossible to get down here, especially on a tight time frame.  I started doing a little research and found out some really interesting information, mainly about the way that EC works.  I was always told that it works by preventing implantation, but recently learned that it's primary purpose is still solely to prevent ovulation, and that the implantation theories have never been proved (or disproved).  It seems that the certain groups lobbied to keep equal coverage given to both cirumstances.  
SO - do you have any info to either back this up or maybe give me a direction to start looking for solid research?  If you'd like to know exactly what I'm talking about, the bulk of it can be found at this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_contraception#Controversy
Thank you so much - I'm just trying to educate myself at this point, and hopefully help some middle-georgia women out soon.
Thanks,
Elli

Answer
In a woman who has a normal 28 day cycle (from the first day of her period until the first day of her next period) ovulation occurs on cycle day #14. She can become pregnant if she has unprotected sex on cycle day #13, 14, 15, or 16. This is because the sperm can remain viable for 12-24 hours and the egg can remain viable for 24-48 hours after ovulation.Implantation of the embryo into the wall of the uterus usually occurs 8 days after sex. Emergency contraception must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse (although it has been shown that it will still work if taken up to 120 hours after intercurse). Actually, any birth control pill will work. Recommended dosing is four 30-35mcg of ethinyl estradiol taken within 72 hours of sex and repeated 12 hours later, two 50mcg ethinyl estradiol taken 72 hours after sex and repeated in 12 hours (Preven) (This is no longer available in the U.S.), one 0.75mg Levonorgestrel pill(progesterone) taken within 72 hours and repeated in 12 hours ("Plan B"). Plan B is the only emergency contraception sold at pharmacies at this time. If taken within 72 hours, less than 2 our of 100 pregnancies will occur.There is a high incidence of nausea and irregular bleeding. The mechanism of action of the pills is prevention of ovulation as well as prevention of implantation, depending on when the EC was started. You'll notice that all dosages are of low dose pills, except for Preven, which is not sold anymore.Use of any pill will raise the level of estrogen in the body and prevent ovulation. If intercourse is on the day of ovulation, the EC does work by preventing implantation, which occurs around 8 days later. I would refer you to Contraceptive Technology-2006 for further information. Another form of EC is the use of an IUD to prevent implantation. Good Luck in your research.