Nicola Thorp says women shouldn\'t "feel ashamed" for using the morning-after pill.
The \'Coronation Street\' actress has opened up about a new report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggesting that emergency contraception should be available without the need to consult with a pharmacist.
While Nicola doesn\'t agree with the notion entirely, she tweeted: "I\'ve taken the morning after pill six times. No woman should be made to feel ashamed for requesting it.
"However, I don\'t think it should be sold off the shelf. Talking to a medical professional is crucial as there are guidelines that need to be followed as with other medications to ensure it is taken correctly and is effective."
The soap star - who plays Nicola Rubinstein on the cobbles - claimed a better course of action would be to heavily reduce the price while educating women to make sure they\'re "fully informed".
She continued: "HOWEVER, pharmacists need better training and guidelines. Women need to be fully informed.
"The MAP doesn\'t work with certain medication, or at certain points in your cycle and may be less effective for women with a higher BMI.
"Simply putting it on the shelf won\'t give women better choice or erase stigma. Putting it on the shelf is not the fix. Better research and education is essential.
"I support a review of the questions asked and info imparted. Women need to feel empowered and informed. Also the fact that IT COSTS £25 IS THE BARRIER WE SHOULD BE BULLDOZING THANK YOU (sic)"
The \'Better for Women\' report insists women in the UK face too many barriers to health services, along with a recommendation that the morning-after pill should be made available "in front of the counter" and off the shelf alongside condoms and pregnancy tests.
