Women can obtain the pill without needing to book a GP appointment or visit a sexual health clinic
More than 300,000 doses of the morning-after pill have been dispensed at high-street pharmacies across England in the first five months of a new NHS scheme designed to improve access.
New figures reveal that almost 305,000 emergency contraceptive pills were supplied between October 2025 and this March.
This initiative allows women to obtain the contraceptive without the need for a GP appointment or a visit to a sexual health clinic, significantly streamlining the process.
Previously, NHS data for the 2024/25 year showed fewer than 150,000 prescriptions for the morning-after pill from all sources, including clinics, GPs, and pharmacies. Private access also remains an option.
Under the new scheme, women can visit their local pharmacy for a confidential consultation with a pharmacist or trained technician, receiving a prescription on the same day.
Pharmacy teams are also equipped to offer guidance on longer-term contraception options, providing comprehensive support.
Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said: “Making the emergency contraceptive pill free through NHS pharmacies was a major step forward for women’s health, giving women quicker and easier access to emergency contraception exactly when they need it – with no appointment, no waiting and no judgment.
“This service is already making a real impact, particularly for women living in more deprived communities, by making contraception easier to access closer to home.
“Crucially, this isn’t just about emergency contraception – community pharmacies can also help women start or continue the contraceptive pill, meaning they can leave with a longer-term plan, not just a one-off solution.”
Health and social care minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: “Women deserve fast, confidential access to the care they need, without unnecessary hurdles or costs standing in their way.
“Almost 305,000 women accessing this service in just five months shows exactly why we made this change.
“This is just one part of our wider mission to build an NHS that finally listens to women and delivers the support they need, whenever and wherever they need it.”
The rollout of free emergency contraception is part of a wider package of support for community pharmacies.
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