TEENAGE pregnancies would be slashed by making the Pill available over-the-counter, say scientists.

It does not lead to young people having more sex, but reduces the number of unwanted babies, a study claims.

A review of previous research found a strong case for teenagers being given easy access to oral contraceptives in supermarkets or petrol stations.

READ MORE: Outrage as would-be Glasgow University rector Milo Yiannopoulos calls for Muslim Students Association to be banned

It said regulatory, behavioural and scientific evidence supports switching from prescription-only status to over-the-counter (OTC) availability.

The analysis cited studies showing teenagers are capable of “safely and properly using the Pill to prevent unwanted pregnancies”.

Professor Krishna Upadhya, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, said: “Decades of research show a majority of adolescents initiate sex before the age of 18 and that earlier use of contraception reduces the risk of teen pregnancy.

“Our review strongly suggests giving teens easier access to various contraceptives will not lead to more sex but would result in fewer unwanted pregnancies.”

The UK has the highest teenage birth rate in Western Europe – 6.8 per 1,000 15 to 17-year-olds compared to 1.1 in Denmark and 1.3 in the Netherlands.

The study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health comes as governments continue to debate moving the Pill to OTC status, particularly for teenagers.

Ms Upadhya said: “Oral contraceptives are popular, safe and effective methods of pregnancy prevention for women and teens.

READ MORE: Outrage as would-be Glasgow University rector Milo Yiannopoulos calls for Muslim Students Association to be banned

“Our review emphasises any future over-the-counter Pill has the potential to benefit teens – and there is no scientific rationale to restrict access based on age.”

Researchers looked for teen-specific data related to the safety and effectiveness of oral contraceptives, pregnancy risk and the ability to use them properly.