Injectible contraceptives not a patch on banned OTC pills

Although ‘Antara’ was launched in September, it was implemented only from October. “It is a progesterone based contraceptive.

Eligible mothers - those who are planning on temporary contraception - are given the intramuscular injection. While the regular oral contraceptives must be taken on a day-to-day basis, the injection needs to be administered only once in three months,” said a source from Chennai Corporation.

Stating that while the move is welcome, Srija Menon, a resident of Nungambakkam, who recently got married, said, “Tamil Nadu’s ban on the Over-The-Counter (OTC) emergency oral contraceptives is still in place, making it difficult for many women who may have had unprotected sex.” Many petitions have been filed since the ban over a year ago, to make emergency contraceptive pill readily available in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu, to no avail. “There have been several accounts of women who have suffered abortions due to the unavailability of emergency contraceptives,” added Menon.

However, officials say that the regular use of emergency pills can lead to hormonal problems in future.

“It cannot be used as a regular contraceptive, but only in the case of emergencies. However, the regular oral contraceptives, which prevent pregnancy, if taken on a daily basis, is available in pharmacies,” added the Corporation official.

While free contraceptive injections are good to have on stock, the problem of rise in abortions is unlikely to be addressed. “It is true that injectable contraceptives are more convenient. However, administering the injection would not even be required if the pill was easily available,” said Josephine J, an activist.