Pharmacists want morning-after pill available over counter

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union has added its voice to calls for the morning-after pill to made available over the counter.

The president of the union has told The Irish Medical Times that he believes there is a demand for such a move from the public.

He says many people can't contact their GPs to get a prescription for the pill at the weekend, when demand is often at its greatest.

However, he concedes that steps would have to be taken to ensure the availability is not open to abuse.