The Ministry of Health says it will take into consideration “the science, values and Costa Rican traditions” in deciding whether to approve the use of the emergency contraceptive, known as the “morning after pill”.
The Health minister, Daisy Corrales, explained that in Costa Rica they will seek to certify the “mechanism of action” of the drug in the female reproductive styem.
Rejecting the Corrales position is Luis Carlos Ramírez, member of the Asociación Demográfica Costarricense (Costa Rican Demographic Association), who said described the minister’s decision as “ambiguous” and “babas” (just words).
According to the doctor, the Costa Rican population is “mature and informed” and “there is an urgent need to reduce uwanted pregnacies in the country”.
“In almost all developed countries” prescription is not required because “many studies have shown its effectiveness and safety,” said Ramirez.
In the U.S. a federal judge has ordered the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make “morning-after” emergency contraception pills available without a prescription to all girls of reproductive age, reversing a decision by the Barack Obama administration.
