Emergency Contraception: Compassionate Care for Sexual Assault Victims

In 2007, the Minnesota legislature enacted Minnesota Statute §§145.4711 and 145.4713 which requires all Minnesota hospitals to provide information about and access to Emergency Contraception (EC) and prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STI) during an emergency department visit after sexual assault. For many victims, fear of pregnancy and/or contracting an STI are the most pressing concerns after an assault. This statute effectively removes those barriers for victims. This fact sheet primarily addresses emergency contraception.