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alp227

(32,034 posts)
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 01:57 PM Apr 2012

Contraception study says 13-year-olds should get the pill in certain scenarios

Source: The Guardian

Girls as young as 13 should be able to walk into a high-street chemist and get the contraceptive pill if they want it, an evaluation of an NHS pilot scheme has concluded.

The pilot in south-east London was designed to offer the pill to women and girls over the age of 16 without the need to see a GP. Some young women might hesitate to visit the family doctor for contraception and might feel more comfortable at a pharmacy, where they would be less likely to meet somebody they know. Emergency contraception –the "morning-after pill" –is widely available at pharmacies.

But NHS south-east London found that girls under the age of 16, some as young as 13, also came to the pharmacy to ask for the pill.

An evaluation report of the scheme, revealed in Pulse magazine, says it has successfully reached young women who had not taken the pill before: 46% were first-timers. It recommends rolling out the scheme nationally "to shift activity out of GP practices" and extending the age group to cover 13-to 16-year-olds.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/25/the-pill-13-girls-nhs



At least the UK doesn't have Rush Limbaugh types polluting radio stains all over the nation.
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xchrom

(108,903 posts)
2. i'm a guy -- but -- me and my 2 girl cousins were sexually active by 13.
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 02:03 PM
Apr 2012

now they did manage to get on the pill -- i don't know how -- but they were.

it was my first exposure to the pill --

Smilo

(1,944 posts)
4. If it is needed - it is needed - they should be commending these
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 02:09 PM
Apr 2012

girls for seeking out contraception.

Funny how all the religious types are so up in arms when "young" girls get pregnant (seek contraception) - but wasn't Mary about 13 when she conceived Jesus?

Dont call me Shirley

(10,998 posts)
6. Birth control needs to be low cost/free to ANYONE who asks for it!
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 02:10 PM
Apr 2012

With the world at 7 billion people, birth control (all types) need to be low cost or free and easily available to everyone. These bizarre religionists who believe birth control is ungodly are not living in the modern day reality of world overpopulation, which is leading to starvation, war over resources and mass suffering.

 

Snake Alchemist

(3,318 posts)
14. would you allow a 13 yo boy to get women's birth control without prescription?
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 04:24 PM
Apr 2012

Just playing devil's advocate, but sensible minor limits are a good thing.

Hatchling

(2,323 posts)
16. There aren't sensible limits limits to a minor having sex.
Thu Apr 26, 2012, 12:33 PM
Apr 2012

Otherwise my 13 year old sister in law wouldn't have had her baby on her 14th birthday.

If she had had access to birth control her life would not have taken such a disasterous turn.

Arkansas Granny

(31,519 posts)
8. If a young person is sexually active, they should have access to safe, reliable contraception and
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 02:15 PM
Apr 2012

factual sex education and information. We are doing a real disservice by not providing those services to those who need and desire them, regardless of age.

BB_Troll

(65 posts)
9. that brings up a good question..
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 02:35 PM
Apr 2012

What barriers are faced by young teen girls in getting the contraception from Planned Parenthood?

loyalsister

(13,390 posts)
10. Assuming there is physician oversight
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 03:04 PM
Apr 2012

Preventing teenage pregnancy should be a public health priority. However, the pill does have some risks and should be prescribed with some caution.

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
13. Some women should not take the pill.
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 04:21 PM
Apr 2012

There are medical conditions that can cause problems. At least that is what I was told.

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