HC Deb 08 June 1998 vol 313 cc462-3W
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]

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.

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