EMERGENCY contraception, due to be available over the counter from Monday, has failed to reach chemists across Bucks.

The morning after pill, which is to be made available for anyone aged 16 or over, is now not expected to be available in chemists until February.

It is currently being supplied by Family Planning Clinics, accident and emergency departments and doctors' surgeries but should now be available over the counter at £20 a time.

But pharmacists say the rush predicted by many national newspapers has not yet happened.

Colin Jones, pharmacist at Superdrug in High Wycombe, said: "We have had requests beforehand but it was because of the press coverage. It is still early yet."

Kiang Lian, a pharmacist from the Wooburn Green Pharmacy, said: "They are not yet available over the counter as we are waiting for the new packaging. It has to have a P on it which means it is pharmacy medicine only.

"We have had no requests as yet. I would have thought we would have had quite a few over this period."

A spokesman for the Brookside Family Planning Clinic in Aylesbury, said: "It has always been available here, so it won't have any effect on us. It costs £20 to get it over the counter, but for people who visit here, it is free.

"It should only be used in a real emergency and is still supposed to be restricted."

A spokesperson from the Department of Health, said: "It was said it would come into effect between January and the beginning of February. We have had queries, but they have been directed to the family planning clinics."

The pill, manufactured by Schering, has caused a backlash from campaigners who say it will produce an explosion in promiscuity, and are concerned it will be a step towards viewing abortion as a form of contraception.

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