After the Alliance Boots pharmacy chain began offering Viagra over the counter with a pharmacist consultation in the middle of 2009, some groups wondered why the pill wasn’t available over the counter as well. Now they are getting their wish.
A one year pilot program has begun in Southwark and Lambeth, two inner-city areas in London with the highest teenage pregnancy rates, which will allow women and girls over 16 to obtain contraceptive pills without a prescription. Initially, three pharmacies will be offering private consultations with pharmacists to discuss contraceptive options. After that one time consultation, girls will then be able to receive the pill without a visit to their doctor. It is hoped that the program will reach girls who are afraid or unwilling to see their family doctor for contraception.
Pharmacists participating in the pilot program received three months of training at Kings College London, where they were taught how to evaluate whether or not a woman was an appropriate candidate for the pill. Those interested in obtaining the pill will receive screening similar to that provided in a GP’s office.
Before the program was officially advertised, the pharmacies began offering the pill to women and girls who came in to purchase the morning after pill. The response was reportedly positive, and it makes sense to give these women a proactive way to prevent pregnancy in the future, instead of relying on emergency contraception.
Proponents of the program hope that offering the pill without a prescription will help to reduce the teen pregnancy rate. In 2007, 42 of every 1,000 girls under 18 in England became pregnant. The Government set a goal to halve teen pregnancy by 2010, but they are far from reaching that goal. On the other hand, opponents of the program object to providing teen girls with the pill without parental consent, fearing that it will promote sexual activity.
From a medical and public health perspective, I think easier access to oral contraception is important, and I hope that this program will have a real impact on the rate of unintended pregnancies in London. As a parent however, I’ll admit to being less that thrilled with the idea of my teen daughters getting hormonal contraception without my knowledge. Either way, it’s a program I’ll be watching with interest.
____________________________________________________________________
Stay up to date on women’s health issues with Dr Kristie McNeary: RSS Feed, Email Newsletter, Twitter
____________________________________________________________________
Related Articles:
- Towards a Female Viagra: Research reveals secrets of female sexual arousal
- 14 Steps to a Better Love Life
- 10 Foods to Get You in the Mood
Tags: Birth control, contraception, pill
