The family planning charity BPAS is preparing for the Christmas party season. The charity says women may find it harder to obtain the Morning After Pill over the season, instead BPAS are offering to post the pill.
Women will have to fill in an online form, speak to a nurse and the content of their uterus is in the hands of the Royal Mail or courier.
As with all projects that allow women to take control of their reproductive rights this scheme has its critics. The campaign has been described as a ‘cynical marketing exercise’. Business Studies was not available at my school but I am at a loss here. How is giving away an expensive medication free to those a nurse has deemed suitable could be cynical or a marketing exercise.
Women will have to fill in an online form, speak to a nurse and the content of their uterus is in the hands of the Royal Mail or courier.
As with all projects that allow women to take control of their reproductive rights this scheme has its critics. The campaign has been described as a ‘cynical marketing exercise’. Business Studies was not available at my school but I am at a loss here. How is giving away an expensive medication free to those a nurse has deemed suitable could be cynical or a marketing exercise.
BPAS says last January the number of women seeking advice about unwanted pregnancies increased by 15%. BPAS is giving women the opportunity to avoid the expense and anxiety of abortion by providing this service. The charity can only lose out from this cynical marketing exercise.
Critics should also take into account that BPAS is promoting the pill as a ‘just in case’ precaution. Contraception can fail even for the most responsible couples. For the frightened lone teenager, this service could be a great comfort. A comfort that has possible side effects of nausea and diarrhoea, but a comfort nonetheless.
BPAS specialist nurse Tracy Forsyth pointed out, “We know that women often do not take the morning-after pill after unprotected sex. They may not think their risk of pregnancy is high, and the cost, inconvenience or embarrassment of obtaining it may put them off.”
Great though this idea is, the pill only works in a 72 hour period and is not 100% reliable. If it snows you can forget a post service. If neither of you has a condom, best keep it in your Santa pants.
Kate
Critics should also take into account that BPAS is promoting the pill as a ‘just in case’ precaution. Contraception can fail even for the most responsible couples. For the frightened lone teenager, this service could be a great comfort. A comfort that has possible side effects of nausea and diarrhoea, but a comfort nonetheless.
BPAS specialist nurse Tracy Forsyth pointed out, “We know that women often do not take the morning-after pill after unprotected sex. They may not think their risk of pregnancy is high, and the cost, inconvenience or embarrassment of obtaining it may put them off.”
Great though this idea is, the pill only works in a 72 hour period and is not 100% reliable. If it snows you can forget a post service. If neither of you has a condom, best keep it in your Santa pants.
Kate
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