IMPROVING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Saskatchewan women will soon have better access to emergency contraception that is currently available only with a physician's prescription.

Health Minister John Nilson today introduced amendments to The Pharmacy Act that will provide pharmacists the legal authority to prescribe emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception has been available by prescription from a doctor for some time.

The medication must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, so timely access is important.

"The issue is strictly one of access for Saskatchewan women," Nilson said. "This will remove some of the barriers - particularly for rural women who do not have the late night clinics - where they can see a physician. By improving access we also hope to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies."

The Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical Association (SPhA) approached the government about expanding the role of pharmacists to include the prescribing of the emergency contraception medications. The College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Saskatchewan Medical Association also support the legislative changes that will empower pharmacists to dispense this medication without a prescription from a physician.

"We have been working with pharmacists across the province to prepare them so that women have safe and effective access to this service," registrar of the SPhA Ray Joubert said.

Currently, pharmacists in Quebec and British Columbia can prescribe emergency contraception. Other provinces are considering similar legislation.

Emergency contraception is not effective if the woman is already pregnant.

This medication should be available directly from pharmacists by this summer.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Ray Joubert Registrar, Sasaktchewan Pharmaceutical Assocation Regina Phone: (306)584-2292