The morning-after pill, a widely used and largely effective contraceptive, may be set to be made free from pharmacies in the days to come.  

In the UK, the two primary types of emergency contraceptive pills, commonly dubbed "morning after pills," are Levonelle and ellaOne. As it’s name suggests, the contraception is most effective when taken the morning after unprotected sex, however it can be effectively taken up to 5 days after the contact. 

whilst most GPs in the country already offer emergency contraception at no cost, pharmacies can still charge up to £30 for the morning after pill, a seemingly small charge that can have devastating effects on women and girls. 

In 2022, an inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group on sexual and reproductive health (APPG SRH) heard that difficulties accessing contraception were leaving women at risk of unplanned pregnancies. This became an urgent issue during the COVID pandemic, after sexual and reproductive health budgets were reduced by £81.2m between 2015 and 2017-18, and contraceptive budgets were reduced by £25.9m (13%) over the same period.

According to health minister Stephen Kinnock, plans to democratise access to contraception are set to be put in place later this year. Kinnock described equitable access to safe and effective contraception as "a cornerstone of a fair society". However, currently, free contraceptives being available at GP’s but not pharmacies, means that people may only have access to the wonder drug based on where they live and what GP they are registered with. Kinnock stated:

“[women] face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live".

Women across the country have often questioned the morality of being charged to meet their basic needs - particularly being the men involved in the intercourse are not equally compelled to foot the bill. Whilst many agree that having contraceptive pills available over-the-counter, public discourse about whether or not pharmacies should be able to “sell” contraceptive pills has been ongoing. In regard to contraceptive pills Hana and Lovima, NHS doctor, Dr Sonia Adesara, argued that contraceptive pills should be free from pharmacies too if they are available without prescription. Adesara stated:

"It's not a luxury item, it's a necessity for many women”.

The proposal will be announced on Monday as part of a large-scale investment in community pharmacies. The plan also aims to dramatically cut GP waitlists as many women will no longer have to go to the GP to access free and safe contraception.