Contraceptive pharmacy decree ‘a bitter pill’

GPs back a decision to block over-the-counter sales of the contraceptive pill in pharmacies, even as rural and regional health advocates express alarm at rates of unintended pregnancies.

In October, the Therapeutic Goods Administration rejected two applications for the contraceptive pill to be sold in pharmacies without prescription.

Australia’s GP peak body has backed a decision to block over-the-counter sales of the contraceptive pill in pharmacies, even as rural and regional health advocates slam the move for failing to deal with alarming rates of unintended pregnancies in remote areas.

In October, the Therapeutic Goods Administration rejected two applications for the contraceptive pill to be sold in pharmacies without prescription, saying the risks outweighed any potential benefits.

Karen Price, from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said prioritising convenience by “fragmenting care leads to worse outcomes” for women’s health.

“It reduces the opportunity for young women to have access to high quality medical care,” Dr Price said.

“It’s never just a prescription … it’s preventive care, it’s invisible care. And making [the pill] available over the counter doesn’t support that.”

Regional health advocates, like Megan Jackson from the Central West Women’s Health Centre says trying to get a GP ­appointment in the regions is “appalling”.

“It’s critically hard, even accessing a regular GP. Or access to a good, experienced female GP – they’re either not accepting new patients or there’s a 3-4 week waitlist.”

Ms Jackson said the pill was “the only real choice because it’s so hard to get access to someone, or alternatives.”

Melissa Harris, from the University of Newcastle, said rates of unintended pregnancy increased “the more rural you go”, sometimes upwards of 40 per cent above average.