It is supposed to be emergency contraception available only in extreme circumstances. But a row has erupted after a Midland clinic revealed it is now urging women to stock up on the morning after pill this Christmas BEFORE they have sex. Staff at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service are also offering the controversial service to under-age girls without their parents knowing. The group sells the morning after pill in advance to women who may have an unexpected sexual encounter during the festivities, or if regular contraception fails. The packs cost £15 a time and are available at its centres across the Midlands, including in Solihull. BPAS bosses claim that the initiative will help cut rocketing rises in abortions over the New Year. Last year the number of terminations carried out at one Birmingham clinic increased by 12 per cent after the festive season compared to the rest of the year. The controversial new scheme has been condemned by the Archbishop of Birmingham who claims it is exploiting youngsters. But Ann Furedi, Chief Executive of BPAS, said that the organisation was determined to continue it. We are committed to offering women emergency contraception in advance of an emergency, she said. Due to altered opening hours during the festive period, it can be difficult for women to get any emergency contraceptive help. This could also be one of the reasons we see such a rise in abortions in the first part of the year. Buying emergency contraception in advance will reduce stress levels experienced by women the morning after if contraception methods fail or in the eventuality of unprotected sex. The service is also available to under-age girls without their parents consent. Although commonly referred to as the morning after pill, emergency contraception can be used up to three days after intercourse. Fewer than five per cent of women who use it become pregnant. But The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, said: I am sad to think there will be young people in the Midlands who will be exploited and encouraged to act irresponsibly at Christmas parties. A spokesman for the campaign group Family and Youth Concern added: It is extraordinary that BPAS is planning to offer the morning after pill to girls under 16. We talk a lot about child protection. Yet when it comes to the sexual behaviour of young people we are turning a blind eye and even going out of our way to facilitate premature sexual activity. We are sending out the message that there is nothing wrong with sex at any age, that actions need not have lasting consequences and that there is a drug to deal with every eventuality. The ready availability of the morning after pill will further promote a casual approach to sexual relationships. | 
