UK poll highlights fears about access to emergency contraception
Guardian AU Business
β’Tue, 30 Jun 2026 23:01:19 GMT
π° What Happened
A YouGov poll commissioned by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare found that nearly half (48%) of UK adults believe it would be difficult to access emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) on a Sunday, while almost two-thirds (approximately 65%) think they would struggle to obtain it after 10pm. By contrast, only 7% of respondents said they would find it difficult to access during daytime on a weekday. The survey was based on a representative sample of 2,115 people across the UK. In response to these findings, the college is calling for oral emergency contraception to be reclassified under the general sales list, which would allow it to be sold alongside over-the-counter medicines at corner shops, petrol stations, and supermarkets β similar to paracetamol or antihistamines. Currently, emergency contraception is only available at pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and NHS walk-in centres, creating barriers to timely access, particularly outside regular business hours and in rural areas.
π The Backstory
Emergency contraception, commonly known as the 'morning-after pill,' can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72-120 hours of unprotected sex, with earlier use being more effective. In the UK, it has been available without prescription from pharmacies since 2001 for levonorgestrel and since 2009 for ulipristal acetate. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare is the professional body for doctors and nurses working in sexual health. Access to contraception has been a recurring policy issue in the UK, with concerns about pharmacy closures, reduced opening hours, and regional disparities in access. The poll found that people in southwest England, Northern Ireland, and Wales reported the most difficulty accessing contraception outside regular hours.
π― Why It Matters
Time is critical for emergency contraception β effectiveness decreases significantly with each passing hour after unprotected sex. Limited access outside weekday business hours means many people may miss the window for effective use, leading to unintended pregnancies. Reclassifying the pill for general sale would align the UK with countries like the US and Canada where emergency contraception is available on drugstore shelves, and could significantly reduce unwanted pregnancies and the need for abortion services.
A YouGov poll commissioned by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare found that nearly half (48%) of UK adults believe it would be difficult to access emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) on a Sunday, while almost two-thirds (approximately 65%) think they would struggle to obtain it after 10pm. By contrast, only 7% of respondents said they would find it difficult to access during daytime on a weekday. The survey was based on a representative sample of 2,115 people across the UK. In response to these findings, the college is calling for oral emergency contraception to be reclassified under the general sales list, which would allow it to be sold alongside over-the-counter medicines at corner shops, petrol stations, and supermarkets β similar to paracetamol or antihistamines. Currently, emergency contraception is only available at pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and NHS walk-in centres, creating barriers to timely access, particularly outside regular business hours and in rural areas.
Emergency contraception, commonly known as the 'morning-after pill,' can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72-120 hours of unprotected sex, with earlier use being more effective. In the UK, it has been available without prescription from pharmacies since 2001 for levonorgestrel and since 2009 for ulipristal acetate. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare is the professional body for doctors and nurses working in sexual health. Access to contraception has been a recurring policy issue in the UK, with concerns about pharmacy closures, reduced opening hours, and regional disparities in access. The poll found that people in southwest England, Northern Ireland, and Wales reported the most difficulty accessing contraception outside regular hours.
Time is critical for emergency contraception β effectiveness decreases significantly with each passing hour after unprotected sex. Limited access outside weekday business hours means many people may miss the window for effective use, leading to unintended pregnancies. Reclassifying the pill for general sale would align the UK with countries like the US and Canada where emergency contraception is available on drugstore shelves, and could significantly reduce unwanted pregnancies and the need for abortion services.