Is EHC reaching those women most at risk?
More research is needed into whether new routes of supply of emergency hormonal contraception are appropriate for younger women and those from lower socio-economic groups, researchers say (Lancet 2005;365:1668).
Commenting on a study in which EHC access was made available from pharmacies
without a prescription, or as an advance supply, they point out that
increasing ease of access to EHC has not been shown to deter regular
contraceptive use or to increase risky sexual behaviour. However, they
say that there is a chance that such routes of supply may not be appropriate
for those most at risk of unwanted pregnancy. For example, the advance
supply of EHC involves an initial consultation with a health professional
to obtain stocks of the product. The researchers question whether this
may deter younger women and those from lower socio-economic groups.
They also note that their previous research has shown that the main users
of free supply of EHC from community pharmacies was women aged over 20
years, and that pharmacists’ perception was that these women mainly
came from higher socio-economic groups.
The researchers say that studies are needed to examine how younger women
and those from lower socio-economic groups perceive EHC and what are
the best ways of targeting those women most at risk of unwanted
pregnancy. |
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