emergency contraception - weird experience

[zippy539]

I understood that you could get emergency contraception 'over the counter' at pharmacies and so after worry myself sick over a 'contraceptive failure' two night ago I finally decided to go to Boots and ask for the morning after pill. The pharmacist was quite snotty and said they weren't allowed give it out any more as the pharmacutical (sp?) society had decided the system was open to abuse. He said I would have to go to my doctors and get a prescription or get the doctor to phone and authorise the transaction. Course, it was too late to get an appointment and because I'd already been swithering I was running out of time. Left in a daze and completely confused but thankfully went into my local pharmacy on the way home (not Boots), and threw myself on their mercy. They were astounded at the story, said there had been no rule change and after quick interview gave me the pills.

I'm going to be off line for a bit now but just wondered had anyone else had the same experience. Should I write a complaint to Boots?

I should say as well that I am clearly well over sixteen ie 37 - so I don't think the guy was concerned about my age...

YES!!! That is disgraceful. I'm angry on your behalf

Many stories about pharmacists in USA denying Emergency contrapc. becuz they object to any form of abortion. Has this move come over pond? YOU MUST COMPLAIN.

Gosh, how infuriating .

I would write to Boots HO stating the branch name (and the staff name if you have it) with a complaint. It'd probably help if you could attach an appendix or 2 with up to date info on the law regarding the distribution of the morning after pill.

zippy, i overheard a woman asking for it at boots on kingsway (nr holborn stn) recently, seemed fine.

Woman's hour story on pharmacists balking at giving out the Pill.

Mr David Kneale
Chief Operating Officer
Boots Retail Operations
Boots The Chemist Ltd
1 Thane Road
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

Head Office phone no is 0115 950 6111

Complain. And point out that you may have 'missed' the time period for taking the pill had you not gone to another pharmacy. Make sure you outline in your letter the time, place and a description of the employee. Not on at all. The staff are there to provide you with a service, not to act as judge and jury. He is not a doctor FFS! He should be disciplined, and if a staff member and not pharmacist then moved to another department at least.

Write and complain. Smacks to me of personal reasons by the pharmacist, and not a general policy.

Just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone - you've confirmed what I suspected (ie he was completely out of order). The more I think about it the more livid I get. Mr Kneale will be getting a letter (thanks for that NDP) and I'm going to call the store manager too. Apologies for not thanking you all earlier but my outrage has been rather overtaken by other events (see DS in hospital thread) - all in it hasn't been a very good week in Zippyville.

Just would like to echo everyone elses posts and say that that was outrageous for the pharmacist to be so blatently judgemental. At the end of the day, if he didn't want to give it to you, then he should have at least referred you to another pharmacy where they would be happy to. Doctors are allowed to 'opt out' of certain services due to conscientious objection, but they should (if following good practice guidelines) state that they do not offer that service for religious / whatever reason, and refer you to someone who can offer that service ASAP. i'm not sure if pharmacists are allowed to opt-out though. Anyway, this pharmacist blatently lied so I hope you complain and get a decent response. Grrr, this sort of thing makes me furious!

Agree with everyone - you must complain. How awful for you, as if you didn't have enough to worry about. I wonder if it might also be worth complaining to the body that regulates the pharmacists? I don't know who they are exactly, but pharmacists must work under licence or something. Good luck.