HL Deb 12 May 2003 vol 648 c15WA
Baroness Cox asked Her Majesty's Government

What was the number of morning-after pills prescribed, sold or supplied in the years 1990; 1995; 2000; and 2001. [HL2607]

Baroness Andrews

Emergency hormonal contraception is available from a number of sources. Data on all of these are not collected centrally. In particular, data are not collected on over the counter pharmacy sales.

The following tables show prescriptions for emergency hormonal contraception dispensed in family planning clinics and prescriptions dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors in England.

NHS Family Planning Clinics and Brook Advisory Centres+
Year Thousands
1990–91 45.5
1994–95 112.1
1999–2000 233.0
2000–01 228.8
+ Post-coital contraceptives which excludes IDUs.

Prescriptions Dispensed in the Community*
Year Thousands
1991 232.8
1995 475.4
2000 554.9
2001 427.6
*This includes community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors.