HC Deb 09 January 2001 vol 360 c529W
26. Shona McIsaac

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of emergency contraception. [142921]

Yvette Cooper

There have been a number of recent initiatives that should ensure improved access to emergency contraception products. We laid an Order before the House on Monday 11 December to make progestagen the only emergency contraception available as a pharmacy medicine. Also, in addition to the usual NHS routes of access for women of all ages, other health professionals such as nurses and pharmacists are now able to supply emergency contraception using a patient group direction, following a clarification to medicines legislation in August.