Treasure MAPs

Speaking of the morning-after pill (MAP), all of Canada will soon be able to pick one up over the counter, sans prescription.

Read up on how use of the pill increased in BC when it was made available without a prescription here, on CBC. And read a Globe & Mail story about the coming changes here.

If we look at BC as an example, yes, the use of the morning-after pill will increase, but it likely will prevent a number of abortions and unwanted pregnancies.

Where this leap forward begins to look like more of a hop: pharmacists will be required to have a sit-down chat with anyone asking for the MAP over the counter. That might not only be awkward for a woman on the verge of a panic attack (I might be PREGNANT!!??!?!), it might also be awkward for a pharmacist whose job it is to dispense drugs, not serve as a counsellor. "More pharming, less counselling," they might say. But only time will tell.

Though it may run into some snags along the way, our little hop forward is still leaps and bounds ahead of the choices available to women in some neighbouring countries.

*Note: Thanks to reader Craig for the reminder!