Overview

• The UK government has announced that the morning-after pill will be available for free at pharmacies across England later this year.
• This initiative addresses the 'postcode lottery' caused by pharmacy charges of up to £30, which have created barriers to access for many women.
• The policy is part of a broader investment in community pharmacies to improve healthcare efficiency and reduce strain on GP appointments.
• The move aligns England with Scotland, where the morning-after pill has been free at pharmacies since 2008, and follows expert recommendations to remove barriers to contraception.
• While welcomed by healthcare organizations, concerns have been raised about the financial pressures on pharmacies and potential societal implications.