Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I support this amendment. Emergency hormonal contraception, or the morning-after pill, as it is more commonly known, is an important addition to the range of available birth control measures in Ireland, from oral contraception to medical and surgical abortion.

To further the development of reproductive health care services, it is important that the morning after pill be easily available from local pharmacies without prescription and without charge to GMS patients. Emergency contraception provides relief from worry about an unwanted pregnancy and an opportunity to reassess contraception arrangements as a contraception method may fail. The considering of other options is facilitated by a consultation with a doctor or a nurse, if required, on such occasions. Emergency hormonal contraception is an important part of reproductive health care services and should be available without prescription or charge to GMS patients. I urge Deputies to support the amendment.

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