EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (No. 2)

Early day motion 1420, tabled 10 June 1998 by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 85 members.

That this House recognises that emergency contraception could make a significant contribution to the reduction of unwanted pregnancies but that its current status as a prescription only medicine, available from general practitioners family planning clinics and some accident and emergency departments, prevents women from taking it easily; notes that the risks associated with emergency contraception are extremely small and that experts on contraception have argued that it could be provided safely and appropriately by pharmacists without a prescription; is aware that the Crown Review of Prescribing, Supply and Administration of Medicines has recently examined the use of 'group protocols' which allow appropriate professionals other than doctors, such as nurses and pharmacists, to supply or administer named medicines; and believes that pharmacy prescription of emergency contraception should be urgently investigated as a 'compromise solution' as projects to provide emergency contraception through similar means are proving to be successful in Washington DC.

Signatures by party: Labour 56, Liberal Democrat 18, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 1, Unknown 1.