JONIQUE GAYNOR, Staff Reporter
THE EMERGENCY contraceptive, Postinor 2, more commonly known as the morning after pill, is once again at the centre of controversy. This time the pill is being partially blamed for the increased incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS among young girls.
While more young girls are becoming infected with STI's and HIV, the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies among teens and young adults is reportedly on the decline. This, according to representatives from the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, who suggests that the focus is on preventing pregnancies and not so much on protection from diseases. This is reflected in statistics obtained from the National HIV/STI Prevention and Control Programme, which state that for January to March 2005, the number of newly reported AIDS cases in women 20-34, was 25 per cent higher than that of men in the same age group.
The pill, which became available over the counter at the pharmacist's discretion, about two years ago, was designed primarily to assist in population control. If taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, the pill is expected to greatly decrease the risk of pregnancy. The possibility that the pill could be abused or misused was taken into consideration by the Family Planning Board, but it was thought that the price, between $550-$600 per pack, would be a deterrent. Though there are special regulations and protocols that govern the disbursement of the pill, these are not foolproof safeguards against abuse of the drug.
SCREENING PROCESS
According to Norman Dunn, a representative from the Pharmaceutical Society, any person wishing to purchase the pill must first undergo a screening process. This involves being questioned about their sexual history and reason for wanting to take the pill. As another precaution, the pill is not sold to third parties. He says also that pharmacists are trained specifically for dealing with this drug. These regulations are aimed at determining the legitimacy of the person's need but the fact that persons may distort the truth in an effort to 'beat the system' is a concern. With this is mind, the Pharmaceutical Society says monitoring the disbursement of the pill, "is one of our biggest concerns."
While admitting that there were several other factors that encourage the spread of AIDS and other STIs, Dunn does not deny the fact that the Postinor 2 is one of the factors contributing to the increased spread of the disease.
"At least 90 per cent of pharmacists think it [the pill] should go back to being a prescription drug," Dunn said, adding that he believes that some "mechanism should be put in place to decrease the chance of persons abusing the drug." He further told THE STAR that while the sale of the pill allows pharmacists to exercise their training in counselling, the fact that careless disbursement may promote careless sexual activity is recognised.
Several pharmacies have made attempts to tighten their regulations and some have begun packaging condoms with the Postinor 2, in an effort to encourage persons to practise safe sex.
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