BPAS scheme - now getting the morning-after pill is as easy as dialling for pizza

Crisis-pregnancy care charity LIFE says that the BPAS scheme enabling women to order the morning-after pill (MAP) in advance and have it delivered free to their homes, is misguided and will not reduce unintended pregnancy rates over the festive period.

LIFE spokeswomen Michaela Aston comments: "We think it's vital that women have full information about all the ways in which the MAP can operate, including the fact that, as well as its normal effect of preventing ovulation, it can on occasion prevent an existing embryo from implanting.

 “Furthermore, there is no evidence that the MAP reduces unintended pregnancy rates.  In fact, if a woman has the MAP at home ‘just in case' she may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour than she would normally - particularly over the festive period with the associated increase in alcohol consumption.

 “What a sad state of affairs that over Christmas BPAS is anticipating and encouraging unwise sexual behaviour by enabling people to stockpile the MAP.  There is also, in their statement, an admission that condoms are unreliable; having the MAP is, they say, a ‘good idea if you are relying on condoms.'

 “We have serious concerns about the health risks associated with the MAP, especially as a woman phoning up will not be physically examined or able to discuss the matter with her own GP.  This pill contains a powerful cocktail of drugs, strong enough to stop ovulation.  It is, in effect, a Super Pill - many, many times stronger than the ordinary contraceptive Pill and has a significant impact on women's bodies.

 “There is also the emotional impact of taking the MAP. The MAP is a powerful drug and women deserve more respect than this.  They deserve better medical care and better information about the MAP's short- and long-term effects.  This is a short-cut too far - a free service that women will end up paying for, one way or another.”