Ananova:

Department of Health has confirmed that the morning-after pill will be sold over the counter from New Year's Day.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn will pave the way for the emergency contraception to be available without prescription for the first time by laying an order in Parliament on Monday.

The move is certain to anger religious and pro-family campaigners who have consistently argued against the move.

Ministers hope it will curb the number of unwanted pregnancies, which is much higher in Britain than many other European countries.

According to The Independent newspaper, Mr Milburn will make the drug available over the chemists' counter to women over the age of 16.

Women hoping to find it in store on January 1 are likely to be disappointed as pharmacists have warned that the pills, expected to cost £20, may not be generally available until the following month.