The government has recently announced that the morning-after pillused to prevent pregnancy after sex without contraception is set to be made free from pharmacies in England later this year.
While emergency contraception is already free from most sexual health clinics and GPs, pharmacies which are widely considered the more convenient option can charge up to £30.
Emergency contraception is medication that is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and has to be taken within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex.
Making the morning-after pill available through the NHS at pharmacies will allow the end of ‘unfair’ disadvantages women face when needing access to it.
In addition to that, the government’s hopes are to free up GP appointments and reduce the inequalities faced by people trying to access the medication.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock stated that women “face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live.”
He further added that equal access to “safe and effective contraception is crucial to women’s healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society.”
Kinnock said the plan “will ensure all women can access this essential healthcare when they need it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.”
The initiative announced on Monday is part of a wider package of investment to rebuild the community pharmacies sector.
The National Pharmacy Association has publicly welcomed the movie stating that it’s “good news for patients and pharmacies like.”
Free emergency contraception is also set to be available from pharmacies in England later this year.
