Morning-after pill will be available over-the-counter

The morning-after pill will be available over the counter at local pharmacies as of this Thursday; having previously only been available by prescription. This has been revealed by the Ministry of Health, following questions from GBC.

The morning-after pill can be taken for up to three days after sex, to prevent conception after unprotected sex or the failure of contraceptive measures. It can already be prescribed after consultation by a GP or Nurse Practitioner. In response to GBC questions, the GHA said three doctors out of the 23 at the Primary Care Centre refuse to prescribe it on moral grounds. However, patients are advised of this if they ask before booking an appointment; failing that, the doctor must make arrangements for the patient to see someone else.

Now, the Health Authority has announced that from this week, you will also be able to buy the pill at a retail cost over the counter at pharmacies. The GHA says patient choice and involvement in healthcare decisions is fully supported and very much welcomed. It adds there will be safeguards to ensure patients receive full information before making their choice. The pharmacist will ask non-intrusive questions regarding allergies, other medications and medical conditions, with the aim of maintaining patient safety. Additionally, a leaflet will be given out with every pill to provide information on how to take it, as well as any side effects.

GBC phoned round all of Gibraltar’s pharmacies: none of those we spoke to had been made aware of the impending change. The majority said they now intended to make the morning-after pill available over the counter. 

Below is a list of pharmacies that told us they would be interested in selling the morning-after pill over the counter:

Bell Pharmacy

Calpe Pharmacy

Crown Pharmacy

Family Pharmacy

Mill Pharmacy

New Chemist

Valmar Pharmacy

Waterport Pharmacy

(This list may be updated.)