From 29th October 2025, women in England can access the morning-after pill free of charge at participating high street pharmacies via the NHS. This important change means patients no longer need to see a GP or attend a sexual health clinic to obtain oral emergency contraception.
The NHS describes this as “one of the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s.” That’s because it significantly lowers barriers to timely care pharmacies are accessible, familiar, often closer than clinics, and open more flexibly.
What this means for our patients
- You can now walk into a pharmacy and request the emergency contraceptive pill without a GP referral or appointment
- It is provided free under the NHS
- Not every pharmacy is yet signed up to this service, so it’s best to call ahead to your local pharmacy to check or use this “find emergency contraception” page on NHS website. Here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-emergency-contraception/
- Greater speed and convenience access without delay, which is critical for emergency contraception
- More equitable access removing cost and appointment barriers helps people who may struggle to see a GP
- Uses trusted local pharmacists as a resource for reproductive health advice
We encourage all eligible patients to use this service if needed. If you are not sure whether your local pharmacy is participating, or you have questions about emergency contraception, please contact us or your pharmacy for advice.