EC Video Campaign

In an effort to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies among youth, California Family Health Council, Inc., has launched a new video series targeting teens to raise their awareness of Emergency Contraception (EC) as an effective back up birth control method.

The series includes three 30-second video spots that will be broadcast on local cable networks communicating important messages to teens about EC. The key messages are:

• You don't get pregnant that fast--there's still time to take EC pills to prevent a pregnancy. [You can take EC pills up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but they work better if taken sooner].


• Don't be scared...be prepared. [You can get EC pills ahead of time so you’re ready in case an emergency happens].

One of the videos features a group of young women at a slumber party, where one of them reveals that she's worried about becoming pregnant. Another features two young men shooting hoops, when one shares his pregnancy scare experience with his buddy. The third video features a couple who are just plain scared after the condom they were using breaks. Each video includes the California EC Hotline telephone number 213-521-5211 and information about the popular website www.teensource.org.

"Our purpose in this campaign is not to encourage sexual activity among teens, but to prevent unplanned pregnancy," said Ron Frezieres, Director of Research for the California Family Health Council. "The bottom line is that a lot of young people are sexually active these days, and while we would hope that they have taken steps to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, the reality is that accidents happen. EC offers safe and effective birth control for those who need it."

The EC videos were developed by two CFHC sponsored projects, the Emergency Contraception Initiative and TeenSource.org, and produced by D. Street productions. They are available in English and Spanish versions. Adelphia cable networks will be airing the videos on Los Angeles and East San Fernando Valley networks, including Comedy Central, MTV, Spike, Nick at Nite and Galavision.

Check out the new EC video spots in English and Spanish on TV!

For more information about Emergency Contraception (EC) or this video campaign, contact Anna Garcia at 213-386-5614 x 4596 or garciaa@cfhc.org or John McDonald at Stone's Throw Strategic Communications at 310-798-3252.