Over-the-counter pill during Christmas

A number of pharmacies in Worcestershire will be providing the morning after pill over the counter during the festive and new year period.

The contraceptive will be available at a number of chemists until 5 January.

Worcestershire Primary Health Care Trust, which is behind the scheme, say many people assume emergency contraception is not available over Christmas and the new year.

Chemists taking part in this scheme include the Midlands Co-op Pharmacy in Kidderminster, the York Pharmacy in Stourport and the Kidderminster Health Centre in Bromsgrove Street.

Sexual health workers are appealing to people of any age to go to one of the participating pharmacies if they need the pill.

Research shows that emergency pills prevent seven out of eight pregnancies if taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex.