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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