AFP
'Morning-after' pill without prescription
The so-called "morning-after" contraception pill was available in Spain without prescription for the first time yesterday, in a bid to limit the number of unwanted pregnancies, the Health Ministry said.
"It's important to facilitate access to all women, irrespective of their place of residence, as it is important to take this pill in the 72 hours after sexual relations," said Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez. Pharmacies are now able to sell the morning-after pill to persons of any age. The contraceptive has hitherto been available only on prescription.
She said the move would "avoid unwanted pregnancies" but warned it "must not be used as a habitual method of contraception".
The government announced the move last May, noting that other countries which have allowed over-the-counter sales of the pill, including France, Britain and the United States, had seen a "significant" drop in the number of unwanted pregnancies.
The number of abortions in Spain doubled between 1998 and 2007, according to Health Ministry figures.
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Robert mifsud
Sep 29th 2009, 19:00
mhux hekk,dak jonqos,ahna qiedin sew hawn Malta,il morning after pill jonqosna.Who is Chris trying to fool,God,himself or the world ? This is world for animals not for humans.Cant we stick to one person and have some kind of feelings any more ?
Chris Mifsud
Sep 29th 2009, 14:57
This is how things should be in Malta ... The pill should be available right away and over the counter .
Gift of Life should mind their own business as it is no business of theirs if somebody wants to get pregnant or not .
The morning after pill is a safe way emergancy contraception and not an abortion as gift of life say .
By gift of life wanting a contraception banned , they are encouraging abortions .