Take Action

Back Up Your Birth Control (BUYBC) is a national campaign to expand access to emergency contraception (EC) by increasing education and awareness. Each year, a partnership of leading advocacy organizations, service providers, and other community stakeholders conduct educational outreach and offer free services, culminating in the Day of Action.

Plans for the 10th annual 2011 BUYBC Campaign are already underway. In the meantime, the BUYBC team will continue to serve as a resource for EC information, including ways that activists can keep up the fight to raise awareness of and expand access to EC!

Here's how you can take action:

Spread the Word about EC with FREE Materials
Our popular EC educational materials featuring Rosie the Riveter are available for FREE! Just click above to place your order, and we'll send you materials to distribute at health centers, to teens, at street fairs, etc.
Enter the Campus Challenge
If you're a college student, get your group to raise awareness about EC on campus. The most original and informative idea will win a $250 prize!
Write an OpEd or Blog
Whether it's for your local paper, campus publication, or blog, help educate readers about EC and how they can help others back up their birth control.
Sign the Petition
Send an email to the FDA and the White House asking them to end unnecessary age restrictions on over-the-counter access to EC.
Celebrate the Back Up Your Birth Control Day of Action
Use the Take Action Toolkit to get ideas about organizing educational activities in your community for the Day of Action.

Other tips for engaging activists include:

Increase education for teen educators and teens by hosting a party, film screening, "Battle of the Bands," or sporting event and distribute BUYBC materials on what EC is and where teens can get it.
Raise public awareness by organizing an EC roundtable discussion with elected officials, clinicians and medical experts to identify the work that needs to be done with respect to EC awareness/access in your community. Identify groups of advocates and local elected officials that are willing to help bring about any necessary changes and outline future steps.
Engage your local medical community by contacting local pharmacies and hospitals to inquire about their EC stocking and provision policies. Include educational materials and information to assist their staff with informing clients about EC, including advance provision of EC to patients.

Download the 2010 Back Up Your Birth Control Take Action Toolkit for more ideas including special activities for students and college campuses!