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Teens can get pill from pharmacies under new pilot scheme

A controversial scheme allowing girls as young as 13 to obtain the contraceptive pill without their parents’ consent or seeing a doctor has been launched.

The pilot scheme, which is being operated at some pharmacies on the Isle of White, will allow teenagers who approach the chemist for the morning after pill to also get a month’s supply of the contraceptive pill.

The Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust has suggested the scheme could help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

But church and campaign groups have warned it could promote promiscuity.

Ten pharmacies in the Isle of Wight have signed up to the scheme and will be able to provide girls with a month’s supply of the pill without the need for a prescription.

After that the youngster must make an appointment with their GP or a sexual health nurse if they want additional supplies.

Jennifer Smith, from the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, said: "They are already sexually active, we haven't encouraged them to be sexually active.

"I would suggest that what we're doing is being entirely responsible by providing [contraception to] these most vulnerable women, for whom, for the most part, pregnancy is not a good outcome.

"We are linking them with people most able to support them in further decision-making and appropriate behaviour in the future."

Read the rest of the article from The Telegraph.