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Queensland Set To Allow Women To Get Contraception Without A Prescription

Queensland Set To Allow Women To Get Contraception Without A Prescription

Medications for Urinary Tract Infections will also soon become over-the-counter.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Queensland has introduced a landmark policy to allow women to get contraception without a prescription.

The Sunshine state has announced plans to give the females of the state the ability to get the Pill over the counter.

Not only that, but the Labor government also wants to make Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) medications more accessible as well.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has written to the Prime Minister to help support the policy and help bring it to life.

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Until Scott Morrison gives the proposal the green light, women will be able to access an interim supply if their prescription had expired.

Ms Palaszczuk said in a statement: "It will mean when a woman can't get her usual repeat pill prescription, pharmacists will be allowed to provide one full pack of her usual pill.

"Most women who take the pill have done so since they were teenagers and are used to managing their reproductive health.

"But there are situations where a woman can't get an appointment with their doctor or can't make one.

"The changes we're making by the end of the year will make women's lives easier."

The Premier said the move will help free up GPs, which will not only assist practices with their workload but also not burden women with an extra cost just to fill a script.

Ms Palaszczuk is hoping the federal government will jump on board with the policy so that Queensland can start helping women quickly.

PA

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles added: "Currently only some types or brands of the pill can be dispensed by a pharmacist when a script has expired, excluding around half of Queensland women who take the pill regularly.

"It will provide more options for women if their pill prescription has expired or run out of repeats and are unable to get to a doctor.

"A pharmacist will be able to supply a full standard pack, which usually lasts between one and four months depending on the product, once within a 12-month period."

The changes will hopefully come into effect by the end of the year once the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 is updated.

Ms Palaszczuk said the changed UTI medication legislation will prevent women from winding up in hospitals and spending unnecessary time waiting for their treatment.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia