Boots apologises after wave of criticism over morning-after pill policy
2 min read
Retailer Boots has issued an apology after receiving widespread criticism over its refusal to lower morning-after pill charges.
The company has said it is “truly sorry,” for previously suggesting that lowering the price of the drug would lead to “inappropriate use”.
Labour MP Jess Phillips yesterday hit out at the firm’s stance, accusing them of “infantilising women” and urging customers to “vote with their feet,’ by buying cheaper versions of the drug elsewhere.
The stand-off follows a prolonged campaign by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which has been calling on retailers to halve the price of their emergency contraceptive pills - but Boots has so far resisted the calls.
In a statement, Boots said: “Pharmacy and care for customers are at the heart of everything we do and as such we are truly sorry that our poor choice of words in describing our position on emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has caused offence and misunderstanding, and we sincerely apologise.
"We firmly believe in the right of all women to access the EHC service with ease and convenience, and have long been at the forefront of increasing accessibility of contraception for women.
"The provision of EHC requires a regulated mandatory consultation to protect women's health and is a professional healthcare service provided by highly trained pharmacists. As a leading pharmacy, we will not compromise or undervalue this professional service."
The BPAS said it was “delighted,” with the climb-down, whilst Ms Phillips tweeted, saying: “I welcome apology from Boots their initial response unfortunate, really glad we don't just stay silent, shrug & accept that stuff.”
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
