THE MORNING after pill is available to girls under 16 throughout South Somerset - in some instances without their parents knowledge.

Somerset Health Authority has revealed the names of those pharmacies participating in a scheme to provide 'the morning after pill'.

In Yeovil, the pill is now available from Boots the Chemist, Lloyds Pharmacy, Pen Hill Pharmacy, Preddy J & Co, Tesco Pharmacy and Superdrug.

Boots and Lloyd branches in Chard also stock the pill, while CJ Taylor serves Crewkerne.

To qualify, pharmacists at these establishments have successfully completed accredited courses on emergency hormonal contraception and child protection.

The pill has been available throughout the county for about a year, but at nearly £20 a go.

As part of the new scheme, no woman will have to pay more than the normal prescription fee of £6.10 for the pill. Those entitled to free prescriptions can claim the pill free of charge.

A health authority spokesperson said the aim of the scheme was to make emergency contraception as widely and easily available as possible. It was stressed, however, that people should not see 'the morning after pill' as a replacement for other more traditional contraceptives.

"The pill will not be dispensed without a confidential conversation with the pharmacist," the spokesperson added.

As with many other similar schemes in the UK, the pill is available to those below the age of 16 - in some instances without their parents knowing.

Eleri Davies of Somerset Health Authority said: "Pharmacists will encourage U16s to involve their parents but the decision has to rest with the woman herself.

"Pharmacists will make the pill available without parental knowledge, but only if they consider it is in the woman's best interest. They will also make sure the woman understands what emergency contraception is, and provide sound advice on safe sex."