Key Summary
- According to NHS England, almost 305,000 doses of the emergency contraceptive pill were supplied.
- The figure accounts for a total of 5 months between October 2025 and March 2026.
- Since February 2024, pharmacies have carried out more than 1.2 million consultations for women.
Women across England are accessing emergency contraception through community pharmacy, with new NHS figures revealing that almost 305,000 doses were supplied free-of-charge at pharmacies between October 2025 and March 2026.
By March 2026, 9,958 out of 10,398 (95.8%) community pharmacies and distance selling pharmacies had opted to provide oral contraceptive services.
Since February 2024, pharmacies have conducted over 1.2 million consultations for women continuing their oral contraceptive pill, alongside an additional 192,000 consultations for those starting it, the data showed.
The number of consultations for women starting the contraceptive pill for regular contraception has more than doubled, increasing from around 50,000 in the first 12 months of the service to more than 115,000 in the 12 months to February 2026.
NHSE said in a statement that with around four in five people in England living within a 20-minute walk of a community pharmacy, the initiative improves convenience and access,.
Dr. Sue Mann, NHS National Clinical Director for Women’s Health, noted that offering free emergency contraception through pharmacies represents a major milestone.
“Crucially, this isn’t just about emergency contraception – community pharmacies can also help women start or continue the contraceptive pill, meaning they can leave with a longer-term plan, not just a one-off solution,” she said.
Veronica Sanna, pharmacist at Headingley and Alwoodley in West Yorkshire, said that feedback from patients has been positive.
“We’re based in an area with a large student population, so timely, judgement-free sexual health support is especially important. But it’s about much more than the morning-after pill. Every consultation is an opportunity to discuss longer-term contraception too. Once we’ve met the immediate need, we can talk through ongoing options and, where appropriate, women can leave with a supply of the contraceptive pill without ever needing a GP appointment.”
“Community pharmacies also give women greater choice. We’re accessible, open for extended hours and offer private consultation rooms, making it easier for women to seek advice in confidence and get the care they need, when they need it.”
Health and Social Care Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said: “Women deserve fast, confidential access to the care they need, without unnecessary hurdles or costs standing in their way. Almost 305,000 women accessing this service in just five months shows exactly why we made this change.”
Baroness Merron reminded women that they can locate participating services via the NHS pharmacy finder or emergency contraception search online.
Reactions from pharmacy
Responding to figures, Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Pharmacies are proud to be delivering this vital programme which has helped hundreds of thousands of women access the support they need with their contraception free of charge and on their doorsteps.
“Pharmacies have the potential to be delivering many more NHS services for their patients than they currently do.
“With the right levels of funding support and ambition, pharmacies can help deliver the government's ambitions to provide more care closer to people's homes, removing pressures from the rest of the health system.”
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, said: “This is a significant step forward for women’s health. Hundreds of thousands of women have been able to access emergency contraception quickly, conveniently and free of charge from their local pharmacy, without the need for an appointment.
“The success of this service shows exactly why community pharmacy is such a valuable part of the NHS.
“This service is giving women faster access, greater choice and the ability to get vital support from their local pharmacy when they need it most.”
