Morning-After Pill to Be Made Free at Pharmacies Across England

The UK government will announce a plan to provide free emergency contraception at all pharmacies, addressing access disparities and reducing GP workload.

The UK government plans to make the morning-after pill free in all pharmacies across England, with the official announcement set for March 31, 2025.
Currently, the morning-after pill costs up to £30 at pharmacies but is free through most GPs and sexual health clinics, creating financial and geographic barriers for some women.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the initiative aims to eliminate the 'postcode lottery' in access to emergency contraception, ensuring equal availability regardless of location or financial means.
The measure is part of a broader investment in community pharmacies, which is expected to ease pressure on GP appointments by allowing women to access the pill directly from pharmacies.
Sexual health experts and organizations have long advocated for easier access to emergency contraception, with some calling for its reclassification for general sale in supermarkets and other outlets.