Emergency Contraception (Hansard, 8 June 1998)

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for Health from what sources emergency contraception can currently be obtained. [43701]

§ Ms Jowell
The emergency contraceptive pill is classified as a prescription-only medicine under United Kingdom and European Community legislation. It is available from most general practitioners and against a prescription from pharmacies, family planning clinics, some accident and emergency units and many genitourinary clinics.

§ Mr. Livingstone
To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons emergency contraception pills are classified as prescription-only medicines. [43700]
463W

§ Ms Jowell
The emergency contraceptive pill is classified as a prescription-only medicine under criteria embodied in United Kingdom and European Community legislation. It is considered to be a product which is likely to present a direct or indirect danger to human health, even when used correctly, if used without the supervision of a doctor. There is also concern about the potential for the emergency contraceptive pill to be used incorrectly, if used without medical supervision.