The end of innocence

Health chiefs have defended the scheme that cuts out parents.

Under the deal, youngsters aged 12 to 19 can also expect free pregnancy testing kits.

Selected chemists, who have undergone intensive training, have been told to use their powers of persuasion.

But there is no requirement for parents to be present.

Father Liam Slattery, of St Mary's RC Church, in Tovey Road, said he intends to take the matter further.

"I have referred this controversial issue to the office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales," he said.

Last week Swindon was shown to have the worst teenage abortion record in the south west.

Swindon Primary Care Trust which says it will concentrate on the problem insists the scheme is a significant step forward.

In return for the free equipment, youngsters will be expected to book an appointment with a contraception nurse.

Fran Birch, teenage pregnancy co-ordinator for Swindon PCT, expects most customers to be aged 16 to 19.

"Our service is open to youngsters as young as 12 but most are older," she said.

"This is not new to the south west. What is different is that in this project we are supporting young people after they have been to the pharmacy by making sure they then get an appointment with a contraceptive nurse.

"This adds to a network of 'people friendly' services that are now available across Wiltshire and Swindon and is the result of some really good partnership working.

"The message to young people remains the same we would rather they delayed their first sexual experience until they are sure they are ready.

"We want young people to make positive choices about all aspects of their health.

"We can and will support them if there is a problem and they need emergency contraception or a pregnancy test."

Chris Dunn, spokesman for the Wiltshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee the body that represents community pharmacists in Swindon and Wiltshire said: "My pharmacist colleagues are delighted that we have finally been able to roll out this scheme across Swindon and Wiltshire as it is clearly a much needed facility for local young people."

Emergency contraception commonly known as the 'morning after' pill - must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

'Too early, much too early'

KAREN Kelly, 47, of Manor Crescent, Moredon, has a nine-year-old daughter.

"I am quite shocked that a 12-year-old girl could get the morning after pill without her parents knowing.

"I think parents have an important role to play children can not be too young to learn about sex education."

KAREN Turner, 36, of Somerville Road, Walcot, has three children, including 12-year-old daughter, Rachel.

"Twelve is incredibly young. I have a 12-year-old daughter myself and I would hate to be put in that situation.

"I wouldn't like to think that Rachel couldn't trust me or talk to me if anything like that happened.

"I suppose you have to see the other side to this story. If these girls don't have access to contraception you're going to have extremely young teenage pregnancies that are unwanted."

NICOLA Watkins, 43, of Reid's Piece, Purton, has a nine-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son.

"This will entice children to have sex even earlier.

"And I think it is extremely irresponsible of Swindon PCT to do this. Giving girls the 'morning after' pill might prevent them from getting pregnant.

"But I don't think that this is the point here children of 12 should not be having sex.

"Parents should be keeping a closer eye on their children if they are having sex at such a young age."

BELINDA Hatherall, 38, of Wroughton, has a 12-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son.

"Do these people at Swindon PCT have children themselves it would be interesting to know that?

"I think this is absolutely appalling.

"It will send out entirely the wrong message.

"It's much too early. Girls will think that they can pop a pill and everything will be okay are they going to keep going back to the chemist?

"To me this pushes the real issue under the carpet.

"We need to be educating children not to have sex not making it easy."

Former MP Julia was critical of the figures

LAST week official Department of Health figures showed more teenage girls are having abortions in Swindon than anywhere else in the south west.

The town saw a teenage abortion rate of 24 terminations per 1,000 girls aged under 18 last year.

The rate is up from 18 per 1,000 in 2003 and is the highest in the health authority area.

The statistics also showed that the overall number of abortions carried out in the town has jumped from 595 to 615 a 3.4 per cent increase.

Former Swindon MP Julia Drown said one of the problems was the view among Swindon teenagers that getting pregnant was almost considered to be a vocation.

Supporters

The following pharmacies are participating in the scheme:

Lloyds Pharmacy, Cavendish Square, Park South

Kingswood Pharmacy, Kingswood Avenue, Park North,

Train's Pharmacy, Rodbourne Road

Lloyds Pharmacy, Clive Parade, Cricklade Road

Highworth Pharmacy, Sheep Street, Highworth

Kevin Shoesmith