EHC purchase from pharmacies doubles in past year
In the past year, the number of women buying emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) from community pharmacists has doubled, according to official figures published last week.
Figures from the
Office for National Statistics revealed that the number
of women obtaining EHC from a pharmacy increased from 27 per cent in
2003–04 to 50 per cent in 2004–05. The statistics mean that
pharmacists have become the most popular source of this form of contraception
since the Government’s decision in January 2001 to allow EHC to
be available without a prescription from community pharmacists.
The figure reflects the leading role the profession is taking in the “quiet
revolution” over women’s access to this kind of contraception,
said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The Society’s director of practice and quality improvement David
Pruce said: “The number of women obtaining EHC from a pharmacy
without a prescription marks a quiet revolution in access to this type
of contraception. Women [are] now much more aware that they can get safe
and effective treatment, and advice, from their local pharmacy.”
The fpa (Family Planning Association), the charity devoted to sexual
health and reproductive rights, said that although the location women
chose for their EHC had changed dramatically the number of women opting
for this kind of contraception had stayed the same. Its director of information,
Toni Belfield, said: “It is understandable that women will find
their local pharmacy an easier place to get hold of emergency pills,
because of the longer opening hours and greater accessibility. This is
important because EHC is only effective within 72 hours of unprotected
sex.”
The ONS statistics also revealed that the number of women obtaining EHC
from their own GP or practice nurse fell from 41 per cent in 2003–04
to 33 per cent in 2004–05.
The figures for EHC access from a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit
also fell from 11 to 3 per cent in the same period. The percentage of
women deciding to obtain EHC from a family clinic in the past 12 months
remained the same at 21 per cent. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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