Free Morning-After Pill at Pharmacies in England

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Women across England will soon be able to get the morning-after pill for free from pharmacies, ending what the health minister has called an "unfair postcode lottery

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The government plans to announce this initiative on Monday as part of a broader investment in community pharmacies. The change is expected to take effect later this year

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Currently, emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) is free from most GPs and sexual health clinics, but pharmacies can charge up to £30

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Equal access to safe and effective contraception is crucial to women's healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society," Kinnock told the BBC

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The initiative will free up GP appointments, as women will no longer need to book an appointment to receive the medication

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There are two main types of morning-after pills available: Levonorgestrel (sold under brands like Levonelle) and Ulipristal acetate (sold as EllaOne)

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Nick Kaye, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents around 6,000 independent pharmacies across the UK, welcomed the announcement

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He also noted that "pharmacies are under enormous pressure amid the impact of record cuts to their budgets, so it is important any scheme fully reimburses them for this work

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