India may continue to sell morning-after pill over the counter; Here's what gynecologist has to say

The accessibility of morning-after pills OTC can help bring down adolescent pregnancies (Picture Credit: Canva)

India may continue to let levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive pills to be sold over the counter. This pill is popularly also known as morning-after pill. The only difference is that now these pills will come with a list of warnings with respect to side effects and dosage forms too.

While levonorgestrel-based pills will continue to be sold OTC, other pills based on Ulipristal and Centchroman will remain under prescription-only category.

In 2024, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) was planning to recommend a ban on the OTC sale of all hormonal contraceptive drugs, including the oral emergency contraceptive pills. In fact, an expert panel was formed by CDSCO to recommend that the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules of 1945 are suitably amended to make these drugs prescription-only drugs.

“Suitable amendments in the Drugs Rules, 1945 for sale of Levonorgestrel 0.75mg/1.5mg tablets by retail with regard to the need of prescription or otherwise," read the agenda document for the panel discussion followed by further explanation.

As per the panel report, it has been decided that a list of warnings will be mentioned on the box of morning-after pills. This is deemed as an important decision in views of rise in adolescent pregnancies. The National Family Health Survey's (2019-21) findings will definitely surprise you. As per it, 6.8% of women in the age bracket of 15 and 19 had either given birth or were pregnant at the time of survey. In the states of West Bengal and Bihar, the percentages were even higher at 16% and 11% respectively.

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About the pill and when it works

Moneycontrol's team spoke to Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist and IVF Expert at Nurture, to understand what she thinks of it. "If this pill continues to be sold OTC, it will help a lot of young women to avoid unplanned pregnancies. What one must note is that this pill should be had after unprotected sex and it must be taken soon. I always tell patients that this pill is not for daily use, but only if one fears pregnancy after having unprotected sex. Besides, this pill does not protect from sexually transmitted infections and can't help in cases when a woman is already pregnant," she explained.

Side effects of taking the pill

Dr Bajaj told Moneycontrol that the pill works well when it is taken on time. "It can cause mild side effects like nausea, tiredness, or a delayed period," she shared.

"I support making the pill accessible over the counter, because there are a lot of young women who hesitate in seeking help from doctors. Even though I support the pill being sold OTC, what I would also encourage women is to use protection to avoid unplanned pregnancies," Dr Bajaj highlighted.

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Potential consequences of adolescent pregnancies

The doctor maintained that the body of girls in the age group of 15-19 are not ready for pregnancy. "At such a tender age, most girls are not even aware of the issues associated with pregnancy. Early pregnancy can put both girls and babies at risk. I have seen young women suffer from weakness, anaemia, high blood pressure, and premature delivery of child. In most cases, it is feared that the may be underweight or sick. Early pregnancy also limits a young girl’s ability to care for her own health, which can make complications harder to detect and treat," Dr Bajaj concluded.

FAQs on adolescent pregnancy:

1. What is adolescent pregnancy?

Pregnancy occurring in girls aged 10–19 years.

2. Why is adolescent pregnancy a concern?

It increases health risks for both mother and baby and can affect education and future opportunities.

3. What causes adolescent pregnancies?

Limited sex education, lack of contraception, peer pressure, sexual violence, and socio-economic factors.

4. What are the health risks for teenage mothers?

Higher chances of anemia, high blood pressure, preterm birth, and complications during delivery.

5. How can adolescent pregnancy be prevented?

Through comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, supportive families, and community awareness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.