Morning after pill must not be made available over the counter - AMA
AMA Ethics Committee Chair, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today calls on Federal Health Minister, Tony Abbott to reverse the decision to make emergency contraception available over the counter in pharmacies from 1 January 2004.
Dr Capolingua said the decision to make Postinor available over the counter trivialises women's health.
"The issues are serious and complex," Dr Capolingua said.
"Pharmacists have admitted they are not ready to distribute emergency contraception over the counter, they never will be.
"A busy pharmacy is not the place for discussion of such a sensitive issue.
"Women deserve better than this. They need timely access to confidential care and advice.
"Emergency distribution of Postinor may be necessary where a doctor is not available, but a doctor consultation is where appropriate counselling and advice should take place.
"Postinor should remain a prescription item and it should be added to the PBS," Dr Capolingua said.
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Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306