For more than 30 years, July 11th has been designated as World Population Day. This important day puts a spotlight on the worldwide problems that overpopulation continues to cause. It prompts us to stop and reflect on the world’s situation and how each one of us can do our part to help resolve overpopulation. It affects everyone – especially when it comes to the environment as we continue to deplete natural resources and harm the ecosystem.

In some third-world countries, basic necessities such as education and family planning, not to mention birth control, are not available. Lack of access to birth control or emergency contraception (aka the morning-after pill) will keep the population growing at an alarming rate.

The emergency contraception pill can help reduce a rapidly growing population, here’s how.

How Can Access to Birth Control Lower Overpopulation?

Widespread use of contraceptives can empower women to be in control of family planning and mindfully plan how many children they can support. Access to birth control methods such as birth control pills, condoms, and emergency hormonal contraception (aka the morning-after pill) has the greatest impact in bringing down population growth. The morning-after pill is especially helpful if a woman has had unprotected sex. It can safely and easily prevent pregnancy in most cases.

What is Emergency Contraception and How Effective Is it?

Emergency contraception is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy when you have had unprotected sex. When taken within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception effectiveness is around 95%.

There are two types of emergency contraceptionLevonelle or ellaOne tablets and the Intrauterine device (IUD).

Where To Get Emergency Contraception in the UK

You can get emergency contraception services at the following places, even if you’re under 16:

·         Pharmacies

·         Hodgson Pharmacies in South London

·         NHS walk-in centres

·         Sexual Health Clinics

·         GP Surgeries

·         Hospitals

If you’ve had unprotected sex and want to prevent pregnancy, you can buy the emergency contraception pill at Hodgson Pharmacy in South London. If you have any questions, our in-store pharmacists are always available to answer questions. Click here for more information about our services.