From Wednesday, access to the morning-after pill is more flexible in Poland. It is available directly from pharmacies, without a prescription, but the rules for delivery are still unclear. Report from Warsaw, where the news is received in a mixed manner.
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After a vote in February, the liberalization of access to the pill comes into force on Wednesday 1er May in Poland. It is available in pharmacies, without a doctor’s prescription, and from 15 years old. A step forward for this country which is still very restrictive in terms of reproductive and contraceptive rights. On the other hand, you will still have to make a prescription at the pharmacy, and the task could be more complicated than expected.
The rule change went somewhat unnoticed in Poland. While the Polish President had vetoed the liberalization of the morning-after pill available without a prescription, the government still pushed through its plan B to make it available without going to the doctor and facilitate access.
Enough to relieve Daria, 16 years old, who wasn’t even aware of it. “You tell me it’s available from today, that’s great.” Amelia, 19, didn’t know it either, but for her, it’s a logical step forward. “No, I didn’t even know it came into force today, but it’s still scandalous that it’s only now being introduced in Poland.”
“This is a big step forward for women’s rights.”
Women can now request a morning-after pill without having to make a doctor’s appointment first. But, at the pharmacy, you will still have to answer an educational questionnaire. This remains a weight less for Amelia. “Of course I would if I needed to. I’ve used it before, but I think it should be easily accessible to all women.”
In pharmacies, the new rule is still vague. We don’t yet know what questions to ask, who to refuse the prescription to? Who should authorize it to? Beata, who works in Warsaw, doesn’t feel like writing these prescriptions. “Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t consider myself a doctor and therefore I’m not ready to prescribe such medication.”
The national order of pharmacists must still rule
Other pharmacies are still waiting for the green light from the National Order of Pharmacists. Elzbieta does not want to take legal risks. “It is now up to the lawyers to decide. Even if Parliament decides something, what we do must be validated by the lawyers. Because if a pharmacist says yes to dispensing a pill and the National Order pharmacists finally say no, you risk being fired.”
So be careful for now. Especially since the National Order of Pharmacists seems quite closed on the issue. He has even already announced that he wants to oppose the issuance of these stamps to minors not accompanied by a legal representative.