Contraceptive pill part deregulation in France

The French government is considering a demand by pharmacy groups to allow some deregulation of rules concerning the dispensing of oral contraceptives. In a speech to the 61st National Pharmacists Congress in Deauville, Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot said she "is not hostile" to allowing a once-only dispensation of the contraceptive pill by a pharmacist. The issue was due to be discussed by the Cabinet as part of wider deliberations about legislation for hospitals, patients and territories.

Mrs Bachelot added that "the skills and strengths of pharmacists are currently underexploited" and that "it is regrettable to see some pharmacists merely fulfiling the role of simple shopkeepers." The French television station TF1 reported that the parliamentary debate on the new Health and Territories Bill could provide the opportunity for an amendment in this direction.