translated from Spanish: PPD officiated PSI and Minsal to reverse prescription request to buy contraceptives

During this day, the ppD’s bench of deputies officiated the Institute of Public Health and undersecretary Paula Daza to reverse the requirement to present a prescription for medicines with simple conditions including contraceptives. Ricardo Celis, an MP and gynecologist, said that “we have received numerous complaints from women that when buying their contraceptives on the online platform of all pharmacy chains, they are required to prescribe a prescription. I find this barrier to entry and economics in methods of fertility regulation that is happening in our country unacceptable. I add to the free delivery of prescriptions and actions to end this discrimination against women’s reproductive rights, pending the re-footing of this provision.” For her part, the Member and member of the Women’s Commission, Patricia Rubio, argued that it is “inexplicable that a prescription for contraceptives is being demanded, thus making it difficult to control women’s birth rates, just at a time when travel and exits must be avoided. It is enough to endanger the reproductive health of women in Chile.” Meanwhile, the doctor and member of the Health Commission, Patricio Rosas, said that “many women will have to pay for a medical consultation to get a prescription for contraceptives, as the offices that give them for free are collapsed. We are in a critical health situation, which has had an impact on many women’s pockets. Today more than ever it is necessary to give all the guarantees to avoid unwanted pregnancies.” The PSI provision violates sexual and reproductive rights. We require that the criterion be reversed and contraceptives can be purchased without a prescription. The state cannot add more uncertainty and stress to women,” said Andrea Parra, a member of the Health Commission.

Original source in Spanish