"There is no denying that emergency contraceptive pills are an ideal way to stop unwanted pregnancy but what should be kept in mind is that these pills have a very high dosage and hence, one should not consider it as any other contraceptive pill which can be popped daily," says Dr Sudha Salhan, Head of Department, Gynecology, Safdurjang Hospital.

Emergency pill manufacturers also support the doctor cautionary note.

"Emergency pills are not a replacement for normal contraceptive pills. It is indicated when there is unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of regular contraception or the woman forgets to take her regular pill for a few days. Normal OC pills are the most effective form of contraception," says Dr. Jaideep Gogtay M.D. Medical Services Cipla. Cipla has recently come out with a emergency contraceptive pill called I pill.

Research shows that seventy-eight percent of the pregnancies in India are unplanned and at least twenty- five percent are unwanted. This leads to abortions, numbering to approximately 11 million a year, half of which are unsafe and are associated with high morbidity and mortality.