Those in possession of a valid medical card will be able to get the morning-after pill for free, without a doctor’s prescription, from next month.

 

The change was officially signed-off on by Minister for Health Simon Harris yesterday, who welcomed it as an ‘important public health measure’.

 

The new measures will come into effect from July 1, and will enable medical card holders to pick up the emergency contraceptive for free, over the counter.

 

Under the current provisions, medical card holders need to go to their GP to get a prescription for the pill.

 

Announcing the change in legislation, Minister Harris explained: “From next month, medical card holders will be able to obtain EHC directly from a pharmacy, free of charge, without having to go to their GP for a prescription first.”

 

 

Explaining the rationale behind the move, he added: “This is an important public health measure and will remove any barrier to medical card patients getting timely treatment from their local pharmacy.

 

“This is about equity of access for all our citizens.”

 

The news of this new measure was initially announced last month, and followed the urging of pharmacists lobbying for change.

 

Those seeking the morning-after pill from their local pharmacist are required to have a formal consultation, in which they discuss their family planning options.

 

Announcing the news last month, Minister Harris emphasised the equality issue behind the new measure, insisting that women of all means require the exact same access to emergency contraception.

 

What are your thoughts, mums? Do you welcome this new provision? Be sure to comment and let us know!

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