Sun Mar 30 16:24:56 UTC 2025: ## England to Offer Free Over-the-Counter Morning-After Pill

**London, March 30, 2025** – The UK government announced Sunday that the morning-after pill, a form of emergency contraception, will be made freely available over the counter at pharmacies across England later this year. Currently, while free access is available through NHS sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries, purchasing the pill from pharmacies can cost up to £30.

This initiative aims to address inequalities in access to emergency contraception, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The move is also expected to reduce the burden on GPs by eliminating the need for appointments.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stated that equal access to safe and effective contraception is vital for women’s healthcare and social equity. He highlighted the current disparity in access, describing it as an “unfair postcode lottery.”

Further details regarding the program will be released on Monday as part of a broader investment and reform package for community and retail pharmacies.

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