Morning-after pill: why doctor knows best

IT is a matter of concern that family planning clinics in Ireland, including the Well Women Centre and the HSE crisis pregnancy programme, would support a move towards sale of the morning-after pill over the counter (Irish Examiner, January 21).

Far from empowering women, unregulated access to over-the-counter emergency contraception could create a culture in Ireland where women do not perceive that medical consultation regarding sexual health issues is necessary. Vulnerable women may also be pressured into premature or abusive sexual relationships due to the ready availability of emergency contraception.

In contrast, a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship which cultivates trust, transparency and mutual respect is a more appropriate forum for women to discuss their sexual health.