UK Government to Provide Free Morning-After Pill at Pharmacies

The UK government has announced that the morning-after pill will be available for free at pharmacies in England later this year, expanding access to emergency contraception.

Currently, women can obtain the pill for free at NHS-run sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries. However, purchasing it over the counter at pharmacies costs up to £30. The upcoming change aims to reduce health inequalities and make emergency contraception more accessible.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the move would also ease pressure on GP services by eliminating the need for appointments to access the pill.

“Equal access to safe and effective contraception is crucial to women’s healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society,” said Health Minister Stephen Kinnock.

Kinnock highlighted that many women face an “unfair postcode lottery” when seeking emergency contraception, with availability varying significantly depending on location.

The government is set to release further details on Monday as part of a broader initiative to support community and retail pharmacies.

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Sourced:EWN