England’s biggest supermarket chain’s free distribution of morning-after pills to teenagers has sparked controversy over the use of emergency contraceptives in America.
Morning-after pills became available over the counter in England over a year ago as part of the government’s plan to lower the country’s teenage pregnancy rate.
The morning-after pill is only available as a prescription drug in the United States.
“The U.S. would never follow another country’s lead,” UW-Madison political science and women’s studies professor Virginia Sapiro said. “For one thing, we don’t hand out things free.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved the morning-after pill in 1997 after much controversy.
However, Lisa Boyce, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, said the morning-after pill has been used unofficially in the United States for 25 years.
Many health organizations are trying to make emergency contraceptives readily available in America.
“If women use barrier methods, we will prescribe emergency contraceptives ahead of time . . . and give them written instructions,” Amy Miller, Women’s Health nurse practitioner for University Health Services said. “Women can call us after hours or during the day and we will call the prescription into a pharmacy. Or, if they come into the clinic, we can prescribe it right through the UHS pharmacy.”
Emergency contraceptive pills must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse and are up to 89 percent effective.
Boyce advocates increased availability of contraceptives.
“Pharmaceutical companies have made it only one dose, that is more appropriate for women,” she said. “It has no effect on women who are already pregnant. [Making contraceptives more readily available] would be especially helpful because of the short time frame that the emergency contraceptive works in.”
Most experts say side effects of the morning-after pill are minimal. But because these pills are taken within one 24-hour period, side effects usually last from two to three days.
“Side effects such as nausea are akin to [side effects resulting from] a high dose of birth control pills,” UW law and medical ethics professor Alta Charo said.
Officials warn that the morning-after pill should not replace the use of regular contraceptives.
“It’s a back-up contraceptive for people who didn’t use a contraceptive during intercourse or didn’t use one properly,” Charo said. “It has proven effective in reducing unintended pregnancy.”
They also warn that emergency contraceptives are only effective in preventing pregnancy.
“It is not going to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The morning-after pill should not be the sole contraceptive,” Boyce said.
Opponents of the pill fear that women will misinterpret its easy accessibility as permission to have unprotected sex.
“If you make means of birth control available in a widespread manner, you may increase pregnancies because women will think it’s okay,” said Barbara Lions, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life.
Sapiro said emergency contraceptive pills might technically cause an abortion and that women need to be educated on the possible impact of the pill.
“Teens are notably lacking in information. Putting morning-after pills next to the Fritos makes it available, but it isn’t necessarily helpful in relaying information [about contraceptives],” Sapiro said.
