Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to follow the recommendations of the position statement from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare on national commissioning of oral emergency contraception from community pharmacies; and, if not, what plans they have to improve access to emergency contraception.

We are committed to ensuring that the public receives equitable access to the best possible contraceptive services. Pharmacies play a vital role in our healthcare system and many already provide emergency hormonal contraception as part of locally commissioned services.

Pharmacy First has built on existing services to increase the clinical scope of the National Health Service treatment and advice patients can receive, including the supply of oral contraception via the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. The scope of treatment offered through Pharmacy First will continue to be kept under review to align with best practice.

The Government recently resumed its consultation with Community Pharmacy England regarding funding arrangements for 2024/25 and 2025/26.