Pill available over-the-counter to children as young as 13

A new pilot scheme which has been launched in London could eventually result in children as young as 13 being able to have over-the-counter access to the pill.

NHS South East London said its trial has already been successful in targeting black British, Caribbean and African women between the ages of 20 and 24 who have not used oral contraception in the past and concentrated on just five pharmacies in areas of London which had the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe. It has also subsequently found that the unwanted pregnancy rate in the area of the pilot scheme has been reduced.

However there are concerns that, with the scheme being extended to other parts of the country, it could also be applied to other age groups including girls as young as 13. It has also been criticised generally by Dr Peter Saunders of the Christian Medical Fellowship who said that there was no clear evidence that the scheme would cut down on unplanned pregnancy and claimed that it would actually encourage more risk-taking behavour.