When someone has experienced sexual assault, they often have urgent questions.
They may be worried about pregnancy, unsure where to seek help, or concerned about privacy.
To help answer some of the most common questions, we've created this guide about StillSafe PH's free emergency contraception initiative.
Our hope is to make the process easier to understand while treating every survivor with compassion and respect.
What Is This Program?
StillSafe PH offers free emergency contraception to eligible survivors of sexual assault, subject to product availability.
This initiative is part of our mission to improve access to reproductive healthcare and provide support during an incredibly difficult time.
We hope no one ever needs this program.
But if you do, we're here to help.
Who Can Request Assistance?
This program is intended for individuals who have experienced sexual assault and may be at risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception is only appropriate when pregnancy is possible, such as after penile-vaginal contact.
If you're unsure whether emergency contraception may apply to your situation, you can still contact us. We'll provide educational information to help you understand your options.
Do I Need a Police Report?
No.
We understand that many survivors never report sexual assault.
Requiring a police report could prevent people from receiving timely emergency contraception, which becomes less effective as time passes.
For this reason, our program does not require a police report simply to ask about assistance.
Do I Need a Medical Certificate?
No.
You do not need to present a medical certificate to inquire about the program.
Our priority is helping survivors access emergency contraception while it may still be effective.
Will You Ask Me to Describe Everything That Happened?
No.
We understand that talking about sexual assault can be painful.
We will only ask questions that are necessary to determine whether emergency contraception may be appropriate and whether you're still within the recommended time window.
You never have to share more than you're comfortable sharing.
Will My Conversation Be Private?
We aim to treat every inquiry with respect and confidentiality.
Your privacy matters.
We understand that many survivors worry about judgment or embarrassment.
Our goal is to provide information and assistance in a supportive and discreet manner.
Is There a Cost?
For eligible survivors, the emergency contraceptive provided through this initiative is free, subject to availability.
If supplies become temporarily unavailable, we'll let you know and discuss other possible options where appropriate.
Which Emergency Contraceptive Will I Receive?
The specific product may vary depending on:
- availability
- timing since the assault
- what is medically appropriate
Different emergency contraceptive pills have different recommended time windows.
We'll explain the available options if you contact us.
How Quickly Should I Reach Out?
As soon as possible.
Emergency contraception works best when taken early.
Some emergency contraceptive pills are recommended within 72 hours (3 days).
Others may be used up to 120 hours (5 days).
If you're unsure, don't wait to ask.
What If More Than Five Days Have Passed?
Emergency contraceptive pills generally aren't recommended beyond their approved time limits.
However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't seek care.
Medical professionals can still discuss:
- pregnancy testing
- reproductive health care
- STI testing
- emotional support
- follow-up recommendations
What If I'm Not Sure Whether Pregnancy Is Possible?
Many survivors are unsure exactly what happened during the assault.
You may not know:
- whether ejaculation occurred
- where you were in your menstrual cycle
- how much time has passed
If pregnancy is a possibility, contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Is Emergency Contraception the Same as an Abortion Pill?
No.
Emergency contraception works before pregnancy begins.
It does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about emergency contraception.
Does Emergency Contraception Protect Against STIs?
No.
Emergency contraception only helps reduce the chance of pregnancy.
It does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Healthcare professionals may recommend testing or preventive treatment depending on your circumstances.
Can I Request Help for Someone Else?
Yes.
If a friend or family member has experienced sexual assault and is unable to reach out themselves, you may contact us on their behalf.
Whenever possible, we encourage survivors to participate in decisions about their own care.
Is There a Limit to the Program?
Because this initiative depends on available resources, assistance is:
- subject to product availability
- intended for genuine survivors
- offered in good faith
Our goal is to help as many eligible survivors as possible while keeping the program sustainable.
Why Is the Program Based on Trust?
Many survivors never seek formal medical care or file police reports.
If assistance required extensive documentation, some people might lose access to emergency contraception simply because time ran out.
For that reason, our program relies on honesty and compassion.
We kindly ask that people do not misuse this assistance.
Every free emergency contraceptive could make a meaningful difference for someone experiencing one of the hardest moments of their life.
How Can I Contact StillSafe PH?
If you believe you may need emergency contraception after sexual assault, contact StillSafe PH as soon as possible.
Because emergency contraception works best when taken early, we encourage reaching out without delay if you're within the recommended time window.
Our team aims to respond with compassion, respect, and privacy.
A Final Message
We sincerely hope that no one ever needs this program.
But if you do, we want you to know this:
You deserve healthcare.
You deserve respect.
You deserve accurate information.
And you deserve to be treated with compassion.
If we can remove even one barrier to getting timely emergency contraception, then this initiative has served its purpose.