Concerns about accessing emergency contraception outside standard working hours have been highlighted by a recent YouGov survey, which suggests nearly half of the UK population thinks it would be difficult to get hold of on a Sunday. The research also shows that almost two-thirds of people expect difficulties after 10pm at night, contrasting with just 7% who think it's hard to access during weekday daytime hours.
The study, commissioned by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare from a representative sample of 2,115 individuals across the UK, reveals geographical disparities in these concerns. Residents in the South West of England, Northern Ireland, and Wales were most likely to foresee difficulties on a Sunday, while those in the South West and East of England thought it would be hard to find at night. Londoners, however, were more optimistic about accessing emergency contraception on Sundays or late at night.
Currently, emergency contraception is available through high street pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and NHS walk-in centres. While not typically stocked in general retail outlets like corner shops or supermarkets, the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare advocates for reclassifying oral emergency contraception to make it available from a wider range of shops – similar to products like paracetamol or antihistamines.
Dr Zara Haider, President of the College, believes this "simple fix" would make safe and effective emergency contraception more widely accessible. She stresses that women shouldn't face "unnecessary hurdles" in accessing it, especially given its time-sensitive effectiveness. The survey found 61% of all respondents – and a significant 75% of 18- to 34-year-olds – support the proposal for wider retail availability.
This call is supported by prominent women's health charities and medical colleges, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare advocates for reclassification while ensuring that this does not replace existing pathways for free access. Comprehensive printed or digital information should be provided at the point of sale, detailing appropriate use, drug interactions, and alternative contraception methods.
The proposed change aims to better align with modern healthcare needs, ensuring prompt access to treatment following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. This would allow individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health, reducing unnecessary stress and anxiety associated with accessing emergency contraception outside standard hours.