Emergency hormonal contraception is safe, effective and time-sensitive. But getting it isn’t always easy.
BPAS is calling for emergency hormonal contraception – often called the “morning-after pill” – to be available through a wider range of shops and retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores.
This would give people more choice about where and when they access emergency hormonal contraception — while pharmacies would continue to provide EHC and advice for those who want it.
Emergency contraception (EHC) can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when contraception has failed. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.
Currently, EHC is a Pharmacy (P) medicine. This means it can be obtained from a pharmacy following a consultation with a pharmacist, or through a prescription from a GP or sexual health service.
For some people, this can create barriers. Pharmacies may be closed, difficult to reach or busy, and some people may feel uncomfortable discussing their sex life or asking for EHC in person.
We believe people should be able to access this time-sensitive medicine quickly, conveniently and discreetly.
BPAS is calling for suitable oral emergency contraception to be reclassified from Pharmacy (P) to General Sales List (GSL).
GSL medicines can be bought directly from a wider range of retail outlets.
For EHC, this could mean being able to buy it from places such as supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations, alongside everyday products.
Wider availability could:
• Make EHC easier to access when pharmacies are closed or difficult to reach
• Give people greater choice over where and when they obtain it
• Provide a more private and discreet way to access EHC
• Help reduce embarrassment and stigma.
GSL would add another way to access EHC — it would not replace pharmacies. Pharmacies would remain an important source of EHC, information and support.
Safeguarding must be considered when changing how medicines are accessed. But requiring someone to attend a pharmacy and discuss their circumstances can itself create barriers, particularly for people experiencing coercion, controlling behaviour or sexual violence.
Information and signposting to safeguarding support can be incorporated into packaging, shelf information and other materials.
EHC is safe and effective
Emergency contraception has a long-established record of safe and effective use.
Several countries, including Sweden, Norway and the United States, already make emergency contraception available directly through retail outlets.
BPAS is not alone in calling for wider access.
Organisations supporting reclassification include the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of General Practitioners, MSI Reproductive Choices, NUPAS and Brook, alongside BPAS.
