Which is the greater health risk — an unwanted pregnancy or the possible side effects of taking oral contraceptives?

That’s the dilemma for the government, which is proposing that it should be easier for women to get the contraceptive pill.

It says women could obtain the pill from a pharmacy without getting a prescription from a doctor.

Health Minister Lord Darzi says women would be assessed first by a trained health professional.

But the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children says pressure on vulnerable young girls — from parents, boyfriends and social workers — could lead to other health risks being overlooked.

The Pill can cause blood clotting and thrombosis and may contain the long-term risk of cervical cancer.

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