ACCESSING the oral contraceptive pill may become a lot simpler if Victorian Shadow Minister for Health Mary Wooldridge has her way.
Wooldridge has promised that if the Liberal Party is voted into Government at the next state election, it will increase access to the contraceptive pill by making it available over the counter from a pharmacist.
"Women will be required to visit their GP in the first instance where a doctor will be able to conduct relevant health and family history checks to identify pre-existing risks," Wooldridge said.
"Following the initial prescription women will be able to access future courses of the pill from their local pharmacist, with appropriate consultation and screening."
The Victorian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild welcomed the announcement, with President Anthony Tassone (pictured) saying: "For some years now, Australian community pharmacists have been safely providing emergency contraception (the morning after pill) for women under professional practice guidelines and standards.
"Being able to provide oral contraceptives under a pharmacist dispensed non-prescription model would ensure women have more choice and improved access to ongoing supply, greater adherence and a lower chance of unplanned pregnancy," Tassone added.
This approach follows similar moves in comparable Western countries such as New Zealand, in parts of the United States and the United Kingdom where additionally trained pharmacists undertake specific patient-screening to provide over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives.
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