A pharmacy project aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy has been launched in north and west Belfast. Community pharmacies will provide sexual health advice and, if needed, free emergency contraception to girls and young women aged from 16 to 19. It is a joint project from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).
Dr Jillian Johnston from the PHA said: “The Public Health Agency wants to improve access to sexual health services for teenage women, particularly in areas of deprivation, and improve the sexual health of young people. She said young women could already access emergency contraception in pharmacies, but some may not be able to afford it. “There is a charge associated with it and that has been shown to be prohibitive, especially for young women.”
Deirdre Quinn from the HSCB said “As well as offering timely access to emergency contraception, the pharmacist will use each opportunity to discuss other issues relating to sexual health, including the risks of unprotected sex and the importance of long-term contraception.”
Belfast pharmacy project to reduce teenage pregnancies (BBC News NI)
