Written question asked by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 July 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reasons his Department encourages increased use of the morning after pill as part of its National Sexual Health Strategy; and if he will make a statement; for what reasons his Department promotes the morning after pill as a way to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reasons his Department encourages increased use of the morning-after pill as part of its National Sexual Health Strategy; and if he will make a statement; [130693] (2) for what reasons his Department promotes the morning-after pill as a way to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies; and if he will make a statement. [130692] Yvette Cooper: Emergency contraception is a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy when a woman has had unprotected sex or when she knows something has gone wrong with her usual method. We therefore want to ensure the best possible access to emergency contraception for those who need it. The sexual health/ HIV strategy is looking at improving access to the full range of National Health Service contraception services including emergency contraception products. One of the aims of the strategy is to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in all age groups and reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy is one of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's key priorities. Emergency contraception should not be seen as a replacement for regular contraception, as it is not as effective as regular hormonal contraception such as the pill and therefore should be used only as an occasional measure.

Secondary information