Morning after contraceptive pills, Germany, 1986

Morning-after contraceptive pills, "Schering PC4", by Schering, Germany, 1986

The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. The four pills contain a high dose of the hormone oestrogen. They are taken two at a time, 12 hours apart. The morning after pill was developed in 1969, but has only recently become frequently used. These pills were made by German pharmaceutical company Schering AG. The morning after pill is now given free at family planning clinics or bought over the counter at pharmacies.