Women in England will soon be able to get the morning-after pill for free over the counter at pharmacies, the UK government announced on Sunday, in a move aimed at reducing inequalities in access to emergency contraception.
Currently, while the pill is free at NHS sexual health clinics and GP surgeries, women who prefer to get it directly from a pharmacy must pay up to £30 ($38 / KSh 5,000).
The new policy, set to take effect later this year, will help:
- Ensure equal access to contraception, regardless of location
- Reduce pressure on GPs, as fewer women will need appointments
- Tackle postcode inequality, where access currently varies across England
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock welcomed the change, calling contraception access “a cornerstone of a fair society.”
“Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live,” he said.
The government is expected to reveal further details on Monday as part of a broader investment and reform package for community and retail pharmacies.
