From Mr W. B. Rhodes, FRPharmS
SIR,-I attended the recent annual general and branch representatives' meetings and found them worthwhile occasions despite the fact that I only came because nobody else from my branch could attend and being retired I resolved to restrict any comments I might make on the decreasing number of technical issues on which my knowledge would not be at odds with the branch that I was representing. Now I regret my reticence if not embarrassed by it. I am writing this letter knowing that the Council is not bound by the resolutions of the meeting and hoping that others might still add to the debate and thus influence the Council's actions.
The motion that concerned me and one on which I did not speak was the one from Reading on the future supply of emergency hormonal contraception (PJ, May 20, p766). During the debate speakers anticipated that in the future it would be available as a "Pharmacy only" medicine and sold in the same manner as a packet of paracetamol, and the proposer of the relevant motion justified his argument on the grounds that its present availability had not led to any "inappropriate activity". This may well be the case but I would submit that there is a world of difference between a product being available only on prescription requiring a visit to a surgery and one that is sold simply with the knowledge of the pharmacist.
In my view there is need for such products but there must be a risk that, if too freely available, they may be used as a contraceptive, which I suppose strictly speaking they are not, and their very availability may lead to a further increase in earlier sexual activity in which we seem to lead the world because "the morning after pill will deal with any complications".
At least two senior pharmacists who are active in the profession expressed similar views to me after the meeting and felt that they should have spoken and were like me chagrined at their reticence. Are there others like me who do not speak out for fear of being branded a moralist as opposed to a scientist? Can I appeal to those who spoke to me and any others concerned members of the profession to take this late opportunity to write to the editor so that the Council is aware of their views when considering this resolution from the BRM.
Bruce Rhodes
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire