Women in Greater London are being encouraged to stock up on the morning-after pill (MAP) for free in preparation for disruption caused by this summer’s Olympic Games.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service’s (BPAS) controversial scheme will see the MAP delivered to women’s homes following a brief phone consultation.
The morning-after pill can cause an early term abortion. Critics have previously warned that increasing its availability fails to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion rates.
Umbrella
BPAS says that “significant disruption” is expected in London during the Olympics which may make it harder to access heathcare services.
Tracey Forsyth, BPAS’ lead contraception nurse, said: “If you carry an umbrella in your bag or a spare tyre in your boot no-one would suggest you are hoping for rain or planning on a puncture.
“Having the morning-after-pill to hand is no different. It doesn’t mean you’re planning on taking chances, it means you’re planning on protecting yourself when things don’t go according to plan.”
Little
BPAS’ Just in Case kit will also include free condoms.
Last year a BBC documentary revealed offering free morning-after pills in Wales had had little impact on teenage pregnancy trends.
Research into a pilot scheme in Bridgend showed, despite increased uptake, “the trend in conceptions for Bridgend was not significantly different to the rest of Wales”.
