Pill plan sparks tensions in Peru

The morning after pill is taken within 72 hours of intercourse

Peru's health minister has vowed to push ahead with a plan to make the so-called morning-after pill available at clinics, despite legal threats.

Pilar Mazzetti said the scheme would start as scheduled in January, amid attempts by conservative legislators to prosecute her for promoting abortion.

Health experts agreed the emergency contraceptive stopped pregnancy rather than caused an abortion, she said.

Abortion is illegal in Peru, except when the mother's life is in danger.

'No turning back'

Three legislators in the predominantly Catholic country have asked Congress to lift Ms Mazzetti's immunity from prosecution so that she can face charges.

They argue that life begins upon fertilisation.

But Ms Mazzetti told reporters: "The decision is made and there is no turning back."

"This is not based on personal beliefs, but in technical and scientific studies that show the pill is not abortive," she added.

Peru's medical board has backed the minister.

The morning-after pill is a higher dose of regular hormonal contraception.

Taken within 72 hours of intercourse, the pill prevents a fertilised egg from attaching to the lining of the womb.

It has no effect if a woman is already pregnant, which is why it has not been as controversial as the abortion pill RU-486.

But it is opposed by critics who object to any interference with a fertilised egg.