New NHS figures show that over 35,000 doses of the emergency contraceptive pill were supplied at pharmacies in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull between October 2025 and June 2026 without women needing to book a GP or sexual health clinic appointment.
Since October 2025, women can visit their local pharmacy and have a confidential consultation with a pharmacist or trained pharmacy technician, before receiving the contraceptive pill on the same day.
In Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull, 37,105 doses of the morning after pill have been supplied, between the launch of the scheme in October 2025 and June 2026.
Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, trained community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can provide:
- Free oral emergency contraception (the morning after pill).
- Ongoing supply of oral contraception.
- Initiation of oral contraception for people requesting the pill for the first time.
The service offers a confidential, convenient and accessible way for people to manage their contraception needs, while also helping to free up GP appointments and reduce pressure on NHS 111 and sexual health services.
Community pharmacies are well placed to support people who may face barriers accessing other healthcare services, including young people and those from higher-risk or vulnerable communities.
People do not need to be registered with a GP to use the service, and all consultations and supplies are provided free of charge as part of the NHS.
Hyesha Kaur Rahanu-Sandhar, a community pharmacist based in Erdington, Birmingham, said: “Community pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare setting for young people.
“We offer private, non-judgemental consultations and can provide emergency contraception quickly when it’s needed.
“Many people are surprised to learn this is a free NHS service – and that they don’t need a GP appointment to access it.
“The Pharmacy Contraception Service allows us to support people at the right time and in the right place.
“By offering emergency contraception and ongoing contraception directly from pharmacies, we’re helping people take control of their reproductive health while easing pressure on GP practices and urgent care services.”
Sukhy Somal, Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services and Pharmacy Integration Lead at NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country, said: “Six months into the service, we’re really pleased with the progress we’ve seen and the role community pharmacies are playing in making emergency contraception easier to access.
“The morning after pill is most effective when it is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, so having more opportunities to access it quickly and locally can make a real difference.
"By offering emergency contraception through community pharmacies, we are helping to remove some of the barriers people can face when trying to access support at what can be a time-sensitive and stressful moment.
“Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can also provide information about ongoing contraception options and, where appropriate, signpost people to other sexual health services.
"This means people can not only get the immediate support they need, but also information to help them consider their longer-term contraception and sexual health needs.
“We’re grateful to our community pharmacy teams for embracing the service and helping us make access to contraception more convenient, responsive and centred around the needs of local people.”
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is part of wider work to improve access to women’s health services and tackle health inequalities, in line with the ambitions set out in the Women’s Health Strategy for England.
People can:
- Self-refer by visiting a participating community pharmacy.
- Be signposted by a GP practice, sexual health clinic or another healthcare professional.
Pharmacists will offer a confidential consultation and make a shared decision with the individual to ensure the supply is clinically appropriate. With consent, the pharmacy can inform the person’s GP that the service has been used.
To find a pharmacy offering emergency contraception services visit the NHS website.
