The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CSRH) has renewed its call for emergency contraception to be sold in corner shops, petrol stations and supermarkets after a YouGov poll found that nearly half of UK adults believe it would be difficult to access on a Sunday.
Key survey findings
The survey of 2,115 people across the UK revealed that 47% think obtaining the morning-after pill on a Sunday would be problematic, while 63% believe it would be difficult after 10pm. In contrast, only 7% said they would struggle to access it during weekday daytime hours.
Regional variations emerged: people in the south-west of England, Northern Ireland and Wales were most likely to anticipate difficulty on a Sunday, while Londoners were the most optimistic about access both on Sundays and after 10pm.
Call for reclassification
The CSRH is urging the UK government to reclassify oral emergency contraception under the general sales list, which would allow it to be sold directly from retail outlets alongside medicines like paracetamol and antihistamines. Currently, it is only available at pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and NHS walk-in centres.
The survey also found that 61% of respondents supported wider retail availability, rising to 75% among 18- to 34-year-olds.
Expert and coalition support
Dr Zara Haider, president of the CSRH, said: “Women shouldn’t have to navigate unnecessary hurdles to get emergency contraception, particularly when time matters. Yet these findings show that a significant number of people are worried they won’t be able to get it when they need it.” She added that the decision to prevent an unintended pregnancy is a basic human right and should not depend on the day, time or location.
The proposal is backed by a coalition including the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, MSI Reproductive Choices and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.
Implementation details
The CSRH has stressed that any rollout must not replace existing free access routes. Detailed printed or digital information should be provided to all buyers, covering appropriate use, drug interactions, alternative emergency contraception methods, and signposting to STI testing and reproductive health services.
Dr Haider concluded: “Stocking the drugs in retail outlets would give women greater control over their reproductive health and, crucially, has the backing of the majority of the public.”
