Emergency contraception: we call for free access for all women via community pharmacies

Commenting on a call from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists today for emergency hormonal contraception to be available 'off the shelf' and without a consultation with a pharmacist, RPS President Sandra Gidley said:

“Having a consultation with a pharmacist is focused on helping women who need emergency contraception. There are several methods of emergency contraception available to women and as well as supporting the choice that’s best for her situation, pharmacists can advise on future use of contraception and the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

“Cost is a barrier to accessing medicines so we fully support NHS schemes that allow women to access emergency contraception free of charge through community pharmacies. These services already exist in Scotland and Wales and it’s unacceptable that women in England still have to pay. We want to see this scheme extended across England so women get better access to emergency contraception.”