Pharmacies to offer the Pill?

As many medical professionals will have seen – starting in December many women across England will be able to get the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy.

This is part of the “Pharmacy First plan” and a pilot has been running involving 4,500 women. Official NHS press release here.

At the FPA, we see this as positive but…

Pharmacies to offer the Pill: Family Planning Association response

“We welcome this as an additional route for women to access the contraceptive pill.

“It offers choice and convenient access at a time when it can be hard to get an appointment at a GP or a sexual health clinic.

“The pill isn’t right for everyone. It’s important that anyone who needs contraception is offered appropriate information and access to the full range of contraception including the most effective long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.

“So while this is a welcome initiative, it only covers the pill.

“To make sure everyone can make a genuinely informed choice and get timely access to the contraception that’s right for them we need long-term investment in contraception and sexual health services.”

Adam Jepsen
Chief Health and Sex Education Officer
Family Planning Association