BASHH welcomes expansion to Emergency Contraception access

29 October 2025

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) welcomes today’s announcement from NHS England that access to Emergency Contraception is now freely available at NHS pharmacies across England.

The move forms part of the Government’s wider expansion of pharmacy services, and will mean that women will be able to access the oral emergency contraception pill from almost 10,000 pharmacies across the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Matt Phillips, President of BASHH, said:

“Today’s announcement represents a significant development for sexual health across England. Free and equitable access to Emergency Contraception is a vital tool for reproductive healthcare - by making it available within NHS pharmacy settings free of charge, the Government is helping to ensure that as many women as possible will be able to access it whenever they may need to. BASHH looks forward to continuing working with partner organisations and the Government to help deliver the very best sexual healthcare for all those who need it.”

[ENDS]

Notes to Editors

The NHS England press release confirming the announcement is available to view here.

For BASHH media requests, please contact bashh@mandfhealth.com.

About BASHH

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) is the lead professional representative body for specialist physicians in Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in the UK. It has a prime role in education and training, in determining, monitoring and maintaining standards of governance in sexual health and HIV care. BASHH also works to further the advancement of public health in relation to STIs, HIV and other sexual health problems and acts as a champion in promoting good sexual health and providing education to the public. More information can be found here: https://www.bashh.org/