The NHS has announced that the Morning After Pill will now be available free of charge at nearly 10,000 pharmacies across England.
Bought over the counter, the contraceptive pill can cost up to £30 so this change marks a significant improvement towards women’s access to emergency contraception.
The medication has been freely available at most GP surgeries and sexual health clinics. However, obtaining the essential treatments often involves tirelessly waiting for appointments, frequent scheduling issues and even navigating the restrictive clinic hours.
Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee highlighted how the major development provides ‘quick, confidential and free options for women.’
Four in five people live within a 20-minute walk from a pharmacy in the UK. Women now have the ability to quickly stop by their local chemist at greater ease and discretion.
A senior pharmacist at Highbury Pharmacy – who asked to stay anonymous – said the changes would make it easier to access professional advice on women’s health thanks to the better accessibility and convenience.
Customers at the pharmacy were positive about the change. Abigail Kirby, a 22-year-old student said: “The changes are really progressive for women’s reproductive choices. As a student £30 was a lot for our student budgets! Now I think we need to start the conversation on period products!’
The rollout of free emergency contraception is part of a wider package of support for community pharmacies, NHS England said.
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HeadlineNHS Makes Morning-After Pill Free at Most Pharmacies Across England.
Short HeadlineMorning-After Pill Free at Pharmacies
StandfirstNo prescription, No charge. Health officials hail ‘the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s’
The NHS has announced that the Morning After Pill will now be available free of charge at nearly 10,000 pharmacies across England.
Bought over the counter, the contraceptive pill can cost up to £30 so this change marks a significant improvement towards women’s access to emergency contraception.
The medication has been freely available at most GP surgeries and sexual health clinics. However, obtaining the essential treatments often involves tirelessly waiting for appointments, frequent scheduling issues and even navigating the restrictive clinic hours.
Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee highlighted how the major development provides ‘quick, confidential and free options for women.’
Four in five people live within a 20-minute walk from a pharmacy in the UK. Women now have the ability to quickly stop by their local chemist at greater ease and discretion.
A senior pharmacist at Highbury Pharmacy – who asked to stay anonymous – said the changes would make it easier to access professional advice on women’s health thanks to the better accessibility and convenience.
Customers at the pharmacy were positive about the change. Abigail Kirby, a 22-year-old student said: “The changes are really progressive for women’s reproductive choices. As a student £30 was a lot for our student budgets! Now I think we need to start the conversation on period products!’
The rollout of free emergency contraception is part of a wider package of support for community pharmacies, NHS England said.
