Where Can I Get The Emergency Contraceptive Pill For Free?

In this article, we'll explain whether you can access the pill for free. We'll cover getting the emergency contraceptive for free, how you can get the contraceptive pill, and if you can access it online. We'll also look at the role the NHS could play in providing the pill, whether a prescription is necessary, and if parental permission is required for those under 16. 

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about getting the contraceptive pill for free:

• You can get the emergency contraceptive pill for free from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, young people’s services, and pharmacies through the NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service.

• The emergency contraceptive pill can be obtained in person for free by visiting your GP surgery, local sexual health clinic, young people’s services, or a pharmacy.

• Regular contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptives can be bought online from UK Meds.

• The NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service (PCS) allows individuals to access oral contraception.

• You do not need your parent's permission to get the contraceptive pill if you are under 16, and the service is confidential unless there are concerns about your welfare.

Where can I get the emergency contraceptive pill for free?

The emergency contraceptive pill is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is often referred to as the morning-after pill. You can obtain the emergency contraceptive pill for free from several places, including:

• Contraception clinics

• Sexual health clinics

• Some GP surgeries

• Young people’s services

• Pharmacies through the NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service

Before you are offered the pill, you will be asked some health and lifestyle questions to ensure it's the right option for you.

Can I get the pill in person for free?

Yes, you can get the emergency contraceptive pill in person for free. You can do this by visiting your GP surgery, local sexual health clinic, young people’s services or a pharmacy. While some GP surgeries may not offer a family planning service, they should be able to give you advice on the nearest available option. 

Can I get the contraceptive pill online?

Yes, you can buy regular contraceptive pills online from UK Meds here including combination pills which contain progesterone and oestrogen (such as Dianette and Yasmin) and progesterone-only pills which do not contain oestrogen (such as Cerazette and Cerelle). You can also purchase the emergency contraceptive pill, ellaOne, online from UK Meds.

How can the NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service (PCS) help me?

The NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service (PCS) enables individuals to receive their regular oral contraception directly from pharmacies without needing a prescription from their GP. This service is available in both online and in-person pharmacies. The PCS’ goal is to provide more contraceptive options and ease the workload on primary care and sexual health clinics to ensure more people have access to contraception services.

Do you need a prescription to get the contraceptive pill?

Yes, you do need a prescription for most contraceptive pills as they are not suitable for everyone. If you get the contraceptive pill from your GP, then you may get asked to go to occasional pill checkups. They will assess your blood pressure, height and weight to ensure that the pill you are using is suitable for you. 

At UK Meds you can get a free private prescription for the contraceptive pill by completing our online consultation. When approved by a GMC registered doctor you will be provided with a prescription that you can then use to purchase the pill from us.

Do I need permission from my parents to get the pill if I'm under 16?

Please note, UK Meds do not provide the contraceptive pill to anyone under the age of 18 years old. No, you don’t need permission from your parents to get the pill from contraception services in the UK if you are under the age of 16 years old. The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is confidential even for people under the age of 16. The only time your parents or carers may be informed is if the service feels concerned about your welfare, for example, if they are concerned about abuse or harm.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Sources

Where to get contraception - NHS

NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service