Hundreds of thousands of women get morning-after pill via free pharmacy service
Summary
A new free morning-after pill service launched in pharmacies across England has provided nearly 305,000 doses between October 2025 and March 2026. This service allows women to get emergency contraception quickly and easily without needing to book appointments with doctors or clinics.Key Facts
- The free morning-after pill service started in October 2025 at high street pharmacies in England.
- Almost 305,000 doses were given out from October 2025 to March 2026.
- Requests for the regular oral contraceptive pill more than doubled, from 50,000 to over 115,000 in one year.
- Emergency contraception must be taken within 3 to 5 days after unprotected sex to help prevent pregnancy.
- Women can receive a confidential consultation and the pill on the same day at participating pharmacies.
- Before this service, women had to book appointments with a GP, sexual health clinic, or pharmacy to get emergency contraception.
- The government wants to reduce unequal access to contraception seen in different areas.
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians providing the service have specialist training in contraceptive care.
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