Postal morning-after pill offer

Anne Furedi Chief Executive of the charity BPAS says it makes sense to have the pill available at home

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) says women could find it difficult to obtain the drug quickly over the holiday period.

It is offering emergency contraception free of charge in the post to women who fill in an online form and talk to a nurse over the phone.

An anti-abortion charity said this could encourage "unwise" behaviour.

The Christmas and New Year period is seen by sexual health charities as a high-risk period for both unwanted pregnancy and sexual infections.

One organisation offering abortion has said that demand for its services usually rises significantly in the first three months of the year.

Emergency contraception is effective for the first 72 hours after sex, but is more likely to work the sooner it is taken.

Continue reading the main story“Start QuoteHaving it at home means you are much more likely to take it as soon as you need it”

End QuoteTracey ForsythBPAS It causes side-effects such as nausea and diarrhoea in some women who take it.