Women will be able to access the morning-after pill free of charge on the NHS from almost 10,000 pharmacies across the country.
The pill will be available to women without needing to see their GP or get an appointment at a sexual health clinic.
Earlier this year, pharmacies also began offering oral contraceptive pill consultations and repeat supplies, allowing women to start or continue the supply of their regular contraception from their local pharmacy.
People starting treatment with anti-depressants can now seek additional advice and support about their medication and healthy lifestyle changes from their local pharmacist.
Anyone aged 18 or above, collecting their new prescription for anti-depressants will be able to get more information from their local pharmacist about how the medication is working and address any concerns they may have, they can also arrange a follow up telephone chat if they prefer.
Dr Sue Mann, NHS National Clinical Director in Women’s Health, has termed it as "One of the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s and a game-changer in making reproductive healthcare more easily accessible for women."
“Community pharmacists and their teams are trusted professionals who women will be able to speak to confidentially and address any concerns they may have," she added.
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said, “This is a major step forward that removes barriers of access to reproductive care that have let women down for too long.
“Pharmacies play a central role in communities – trusted by local people and easy to access. That’s why it’s vital there are a wide range of services and medications available.
“These changes will make it easier for people to get the advice and medications they need, while also reducing unnecessary pressure on GPs."
Community Pharmacy England chief executive Janet Morrison said, “Providing emergency contraception through community pharmacies is a fantastic move for widening access and convenience for patients across the country.
“Allowing regular supply of oral contraception from pharmacies has been well received, so building on this to now include emergency contraception is a natural step."
The government is running a publicity campaign from 20 October 2025 until 4 January 2026 to build awareness of the support community pharmacists can offer to patients in their neighbourhood.
Local pharmacies now provide a free blood pressure check service for anyone over 40, and they are supporting patients who wish to stop smoking through the Smoking Cessation Service.
Community pharmacies are also playing an increasing role in NHS vaccination programmes, providing flu and Covid vaccinations to those eligible.
