Teens 'to get contraceptive pill without prescription'
Posted on 14/12/2009 in Medical Government/ NHS related news
Two London boroughs are offering teenagers oral contraception without a prescription in a bid to lower rates of unplanned pregnancies.
Under-16s in Southwark and Lambeth can now obtain the pill by visiting a qualified pharmacist. Experts hope the approach will encourage young girls to use contraceptives.
Jo Holmes from Southwark primary care trust (PCT) pointed out: "[Girls] may already go to the pharmacy to buy cosmetics and medicines.
"In the GP surgery they sometimes worry they might bump into a neighbour or a member of their family."
Pharmacist Cuthbert Churinder revealed that the Ridgeway Pharmacy in Lambeth carries out around 220 consultations for the morning after pill each month.
He claimed: "I think the PCT is doing the right thing to have chosen us to offer longer term and more reliable contraception to these young girls."
Around one-third of all women of reproductive age in the UK take the pill, according to NetDoctor.
