More Keighley women are using emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex.

And nine out of ten local women who have had abortions say they would have used it if they had known it was available.

Now, with the UK having the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in western Europe, the Bradford branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched a publicity campaign to let women know they have up to five days to take action to stop unwanted pregnancy.

The Bradford Health Promotion Service's Derek Simmonds says many young people do not know about emergency contraception or have incorrect information about it. He says young women may find it particularly daunting to go to the family GP to receive a prescription.

Now leaflets and cards giving information are available in pharmacies across the district and most pharmacists will give immediate advice. Emergency contraception is free at Airedale's family planning clinics and a 24-hour answerphone helpline gives a message about it. The number to call is 01535 295630.

Airedale NHS Trust consultant Dr Sue Richardson says 'morning-after' hormone pills should be given within 72 hours of unprotected sex. She says many women are unaware intra-uterine devices can be fitted up to five days later.

in 1994-95, the most recent year for which figures are available, there were 23 pregnancies among 13-15-year-olds living in the Keighley area. In the year ending in March 1998, 530 Bradford-district women were given hormonal emergency contraception, known as the morning-after pill, and 53 were fitted with emergency coils. The figures show an increase of 20 per cent on the 1997 figures.

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