More than 300,000 free morning-after pills dispensed by pharmacies

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By Erin Dean

More than 300,000 doses of the morning-after pill have been dispensed at pharmacies in the five months since pharmacists could provide it free of charge.

Women have been able to obtain the emergency contraceptive pill without a fee at their high street pharmacy since last October - this was previously only possible through a GP or sexual health clinic appointment.

NHS England figures show that almost 305,000 doses of the tablet were supplied at pharmacies between October 2025 and this March.

Previous data on NHS prescriptions shows there were just under 150,000 prescriptions for the morning-after pill from sexual health clinics, GPs and pharmacies in the year 2024/25. Women can also access it privately.

Many doctors welcomed the move when it was announced, saying it could reduce pressures on other parts of the NHS and improve health outcomes.

'No waiting, no judgement'

Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said the removal of the fee at pharmacies was particularly beneficial for women from poorer areas.