From Mr P. Walton, MRPharmS
SIR,—Mr Honigman (PJ, September 2, p332)
feels that pharmacists supplying emergency hormonal contraception without a
condom may be condoning unprotected, dangerous sex. It is my observation, as
a pharmacist who has supplied EHC on protocol, that many girls presenting for
emergency hormonal contraception say they have used condoms that have split,
and that the vast majority are consenting adults (which is born out in Manchester,
Salford and Trafford statistics). Most people who present for EHC tell stories
that would indicate that they are in stable relationships (although this information
is never asked for).
Society is currently telling its young that the best form of protection from
sexually transmitted diseases is to use condoms, which are unfortunately less
effective than oral contraceptives or intra-uterine devices. Surely, then, when
condoms split, it is incumbent on society to provide emergency backup services
to protect against unwanted pregnancy.
I wonder whether Mr Honigman realises that condoms and family planning leaflets
are issued with EHC by pharmacists, and that further contraception issues are
raised as a part of the protocol.
Philip Walton
Swinton,
Manchester