Exploring perspectives around the use of emergency contraception in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate different perspectives around the use of emergency contraceptives (E.C) in Malta. It has been six years since the emergency contraceptive pill has become legalised in Malta. It is a topic of hot debate on social media and news articles, with women seeking to access the E.C expressing their dissatisfaction with the process. On the other hand, pharmacists are featured as shaming the users and as doing everything in their power not to dispense the E.C. To date, no local research has been conducted on this topic. This study explores the decision-making process and experience of women using the E.C, alongside the perspectives of pharmacists on the user and a general perspective from an outside perspective. The term outside refers to people who are not active participants in obtaining/dispensing the E.C. A qualitative approach has been adopted, with the use of semi-structured interviews to collect data. From the interviews, a deeper understanding of the current situation has been achieved. My findings suggest that misconceptions exist regarding the experience of what takes place in the pharmacy. Antagonism between the users and the pharmacists is apparent. The research uncovered that the main cause of antagonism was due to misinformation about the E.C and on occasion, both sides not understanding the other‘s situation.