Access to emergency contraception is about to change in England. Women will soon be able to get the morning-after pill for free from pharmacies.
The government has announced that this change will take effect by the end of the year. Right now, the pill is free only if obtained from a doctor or clinic, reports BBC.
But if bought directly from a pharmacy, it can cost up to £30. Many women face difficulties in getting it, especially in low-income areas.
The government says this new plan will improve access to emergency contraception. Health Secretary Stephen Kinnock believes every woman should have equal access to safe and effective birth control.
He says cost and location should not be barriers. The decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen community pharmacies and make essential healthcare services more available.
The morning-after pill is a type of emergency contraception. It helps prevent pregnancy when taken within a few days after unprotected sex.
Doctors say it works best when taken as soon as possible. The medication does not end an existing pregnancy but prevents one from starting.
It is different from abortion pills, which are used to terminate a pregnancy that has already begun.
Right now, getting the pill can depend on where a woman lives. Some areas have clinics and services that provide it for free.
Others do not, making it harder for some women to access emergency contraception. The government’s plan aims to remove these barriers by allowing pharmacies to provide it at no cost.
Experts say this could help reduce unplanned pregnancies, especially among young women and those in disadvantaged communities.
Many organizations that support women's health have welcomed the decision. They say it will give women more control over their reproductive health without unnecessary stress or financial burden.
Pharmacies in England will begin offering free emergency contraception later this year. The exact start date has not been announced yet.
This change is part of a larger investment in community healthcare, ensuring that essential services are easier to access for everyone.
