From today, the morning-after pill will be provided free of charge in almost 10,000 community pharmacies across England. Emergency contraception remains free at most GP practices and sexual health clinics, but it has previously cost up to £30 (€35.1) in pharmacies. The change means patients will not need an appointment with a GP or clinic to obtain the pill, and NHS England estimates tens of thousands of women could benefit.

NHS England’s national clinical director for women’s health said the move marks a major shift in how reproductive healthcare is accessed and will make it easier for people to obtain the medication. Women can simply visit their local pharmacy to obtain the oral emergency contraceptive pill without an appointment, and community pharmacists are trained to advise confidentially. Officials note that around four in five people live within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy as part of shifting care into communities.

The rollout is part of a wider package of support for community pharmacies announced by the government in March. Earlier this year, pharmacies began offering consultations for the contraceptive pill and repeat supplies. Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said the move widens access and convenience, while Henry Gregg of the National Pharmacy Association welcomed national commissioning of emergency contraception. From today, people newly prescribed antidepressants will be able to seek extra advice about the medication, and a campaign running until January 2026 will highlight what community pharmacies offer to patients.