Two types of contraceptive pill will be available over the counter for the first time

Women in the UK will soon be able to access two kinds of contraceptive pills in pharmacies without a prescription for the first time.

The change means that women will be able to access certain contraceptive pills over the counter after consultation with a pharmacist rather than via a GP appointment.

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At a glance: 5 key points

- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced on Thursday that it has reclassified Lovima and Hana, two 75 microgram progesterone-only contraceptives.

- The reclassification means women will not need to make appointments with their GP to access the contraception

-Pills will continue to be available via GPs and via sexual health clinics.

-This is the first time that any form of daily contraceptive pill has been licensed for over-the-counter sale in the UK, 60 years after the pill was originally offered by the NHS

-The MHRA’s decision to reclassify the products also follows a safety review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).

What’s been said

Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), described the move as a “huge win for women and girls”.

He said: “We are delighted that all those who need the progestogen-only oral contraceptive pill (POP) can now go into their local pharmacy and access it without needing a prescription.

“This announcement is a huge win for women and girls who will no longer face unnecessary barriers when accessing this type of contraception.”

Background

Healthcare professionals have welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic milestone” for women.

Previously, the pill has only been available to women via a GP when first beginning to take it.

The decision comes after a host of changes to sexual health access during the pandemic, including the licensing of at-home abortions.