From Mr M. Morris, MRPharmS
SIR,—I wish to comment on the letter from Jackie Durrant (PJ, November 20, p817) which urges pharmacists to reconsider their role with respect to the supply of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) over the counter.
In her letter, Ms Durrant asks "what kind of message are we giving our young people?" and states "every kind of freedom has its price . . . and brings responsibility". I agree. However, I believe that the freedom to acquire EHC from registered pharmacies operating under an adequately trained pharmacist (participating in a regulated localised scheme) would not encourage unprotected sexual intercourse in young people; just as offering needle exchanges does not promote parenteral drug misuse.
The responsibility of sexual freedom is an issue for the individual and is multifactoral (race, religion, sexuality, etc); much of the determining factors are chosen. But choice is a part of that freedom. The price? Certainly not as dire as Ms Durrant predicts; the notion that EHC will be handed out like Smarties every Monday morning is steeped in presumption and pomp. Indeed the consequences of having EHC in a regulated and accessible location might actually improve the prospects for thousands of women all over the country. I do not expect the numbers of unwanted babies and consequently abortions to rise, as Ms Durrant predicts.
As a newly registered pharmacist, I am keen to extend my role into other areas of pharmacy practice and I believe that most community pharmacist would be capable of carrying out the assessments necessary to determine suitability of EHC for clients and, moreover, issuing the advice and guidance that would reduce failure rates due to incorrect use. It seems Ms Durrant lacks faith in the competence of her colleagues and should realise that not issuing EHC could have detrimental consequences in the long run.
Joseph Morris
Beeston, Leeds