A federation of gynecologists is opposed to the petition which calls for access to a progestin-only pill without a prescription.
The contraceptive pill without a prescription, gynecologists do not want it. They made it clear in a statement released by the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology (FNCGM). Hormonal contraception remains a drug and can not be dispensed lightly, explains this organization which represents the regional colleges of gynecology.
Facilitating access to contraception is the avowed object of the petition launched on Change.org by the Collectif des pharmaciens et le Planning Familial. The signatories therefore request that a pill containing progestin only be available without a prescription.
Unanswered questions
“Choosing a suitable pill is not done under the advice of a mother, a girlfriend or a pharmacist in a few minutes”, objects the FNCGM. Beyond the not very courteous attack, the gynecologists especially underline the importance which has, in their eyes, the medical consultation dedicated to contraception. This meeting provides, in fact, the opportunity to talk about sexual health in a broader way.
“It is unthinkable that a young woman can expose all her questions about adverse effects or sexuality behind the counter of a pharmacy,” continues the FNCGM. This issue is at the heart of the debate which separates the signatories from the opponents of the petition.
In fact, how will the pharmacist be compensated for the time he spends counseling a patient? Will a space be offered to carry out this exchange in complete confidentiality? So many questions to which the petition does not answer.
Solutions already exist
The FNCGM recalls, moreover, that the consultation with the gynecologist is not essential to the renewal of a contraception. Pharmacists have the right, in order to avoid an interruption, to renew a prescription for less than one year – and this for a maximum of 6 months. Especially since it is possible to obtain the precious document from a general practitioner or a midwife. Waiting times are therefore shorter.
The authors of the petition still provided a framework for the delivery of the progestin-only pill. No question of giving the contraceptive like a box of paracetamol. Women who wish to benefit from it should first complete a specific questionnaire. Pharmacists will also have to commit to openly discussing other forms of contraception.
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