QCOSTARICA — The three appeals of unconstitutionality were rejected by Sala Constitutional (Constitutional Court, also referred to as Sala IV), against the morning-after pill (píldora del día después in Spanish), therefore, its use remains in force in Costa Rica.
The resolutions, by Justices Fernando Cruz, Paul Rueda, Jorge Araya and Ingrid Hess, concluded that the challenged decree does not regulate a procedure for abortive purposes, but rather refers to an emergency oral contraceptive.
“The decree does not impose the forced nature of a medical act or treatment, so people are free to use the contraceptive or not. It is clear that people have the right to know the mechanism of action, restrictions on use, benefits, side effects and contraindications of emergency oral contraceptives,” said the Court in a statement.
Read more: CCSS makes the “morning after pill” available to all women who require it
The morning-after pill is available over the counter at any pharmacy in Costa Rica, without the need for a prescription or explanation.
