Project makes emergency pill more available

More than 100 general medical practices in Lothian, Scotland, have agreed to take part in the 2-year research project designed to see if improving the availability of emergency contraception will reduce unplanned pregnancies and lower the abortion rate. At the end of 2 years, the change in the abortion and unplanned pregnancy rate of women attending the 100 general practices will be compared with any change in rates among other practices in the region. Both the BMA and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have supported moves to make emergency contraception available over the counter in pharmacies. However, this has been strongly resisted in Great Britain by anti-abortion groups and the Catholic Church. Expectations are bright that the project will reduce the number of abortion cases in Lothian by about 15%.