Emergency contraception will soon be available for free at pharmacies in England, following a new government announcement aimed at ending the current postcode lottery that has left many women paying out of pocket for access to the morning-after pill.
Until now, women seeking emergency contraception could access it for free from most GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and some NHS walk-in centres. However, access at pharmacies has been inconsistent, with some councils funding it and others not. In many areas, women have been forced to pay up to £30 for the medication — a significant financial barrier, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis.
The Department of Health and Social Care says the policy will be rolled out later this year and will bring England in line with Wales and Scotland, where the pill is already available for free from pharmacies. It is part of a broader plan to strengthen community pharmacy services and reduce pressure on GPs.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock said the change was essential to ensuring fair access to reproductive healthcare. “Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception,” he said. “By making this available at community pharmacies, we will ensure all women can access this essential healthcare when they need it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.”
The announcement has been welcomed by sexual health experts and campaigners, many of whom have long argued that charging for the morning-after pill effectively punishes women for needing emergency contraception. The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare called it “tremendous news” and said cost, stigma and accessibility have too often been obstacles to care.
Pharmacies themselves have also supported the move, though some have warned that without proper funding, the new scheme could place extra strain on already overstretched services. Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said pharmacies were “under enormous pressure” after years of budget cuts, and would need to be fully reimbursed for the work involved in dispensing the medication and providing consultations.
The morning-after pill is one of two forms of emergency contraception, alongside the copper coil. While the copper coil is more effective, it requires fitting by a medical professional and is less easily accessible in urgent situations. The pill can be taken at home and works by delaying ovulation, but is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex.
Campaigners have also pointed out that easier access to the morning-after pill may help reduce unplanned pregnancies and the emotional and physical toll that comes with them. There are hopes that removing the cost barrier will normalise the use of emergency contraception and reduce the stigma still attached to it.
The government has framed the announcement as part of wider reforms to community healthcare, which also include expanded roles for pharmacists in supporting people with long-term conditions such as depression. An additional £617 million is being invested into community pharmacy services over the next two years, with £193 million of existing debt also being written off.
Although the move has been broadly welcomed, some health organisations have stressed the need for ongoing investment and robust implementation if it is to make a real difference. The rollout will need to be consistent across the country and supported by clear communication, so women know where and how to access the service.
For now, the decision marks a shift towards treating emergency contraception as a routine part of healthcare rather than a specialist or exceptional service — something many have argued should have happened long ago.
