Emergency Contraception now over the counter in Ireland

On January 10th, 2011, it was announced that emergency contraceptive (EC) pills would now be available over the counter in Ireland without a prescription. Available with a doctor's prescription since 2001, EC will now be available for purchase at Boots pharmacies in Ireland after a private consultation with an in-house pharmacist.

The Irish Family Planning Association welcomed the news, remarking that they have "...advocated for improved access to emergency contraceptive pills for a number of years because it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Emergency contraception is currently available directly from pharmacies in 17 European Union countries." 

To read an article on the news from the Irish Examiner, please click here.

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