The “morning after pill” is an emergency contraceptive that is only available in pharmacies after consultation in Switzerland. With this regulation, Switzerland is following a stricter course than other liberal countries.
In countries such as Spain, Belgium or Sweden, the drug is also available without a prescription, but a consultation is not required for its release. In France, the drug is even distributed to schools if necessary.
Easy access is not provided in Switzerland. With the revision of the Therapeutic Products Act 2019 by the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic, the morning-after pill is available on prescription.
Before that, drugs were divided into five categories:
The morning-after pill belonged to category C. Swissmedic has decided to transfer the drug to delivery category B for reasons of drug safety.
The drug has therefore become prescription – but that will not change for customers. You will receive the morning-after pill after a consultation at the pharmacy or general practitioner.
Despite this, HRA Pharma, a company that publishes emergency contraception, filed a complaint against the tightening in federal court. The company’s lawsuit has already been dismissed by the Federal Administrative Court.
“Women don’t get enough confidence to make good and informed decisions for themselves,” complains Myriam Cheli, country manager Switzerland at HRA Pharma, at 20 Minutes.
SP alderman Tamara Funiciello shares a similar opinion. “The ‘morning-after pill’ urgently needs to be made more accessible,” says Funiciello to 20 minutes. She also points to a problem with current legislation: “Women should not be turned away from pharmacies.”
SVP national councilor Barbara Steinemann sees it differently: “In principle, the SVP always welcomes the abolition of regulations and legal hurdles. Here, however, the additional rules are warranted due to possible side effects and potential for abuse.
Whether the morning-after pill remains in category B is up for appeal.
(cst)
Source: Blick
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