The legal framework
Contraception is provided free through the NHS regardless of age or immigration status, at GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and some pharmacies. Since 2023 the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service in England allows pharmacists to initiate and supply oral contraception without a GP appointment.
Key points
| Cost | Free on the NHS, including for people not registered with a GP |
|---|---|
| Where | GP, sexual health clinic, young people's clinic, and participating pharmacies in England |
| Emergency contraception | Free from sexual health clinics and most pharmacies; also available to buy |
| Under-16s | Can consent if Gillick competent; services are confidential |
| LARC | Implants and IUDs fitted free; sexual health clinics usually have shorter waits than GPs |
| Condoms | Free through C-Card schemes for young people and at clinics |
| Sterilisation | Available on the NHS, subject to local criteria |
| Pharmacy contraception service | Community pharmacies can now start and continue oral contraception without a GP appointment |
| Free everywhere | Contraception is free on the NHS across all four nations, including for visitors in some cases |
| Over the counter | Two progestogen-only pills are available to buy without prescription |
| Gillick competence | Under-16s can consent to contraception if they understand the decision |
In practice
- Ask about long-acting methods — implants and IUDs are the most effective and often the cheapest over time.
- Check contraindications: smoking over 35, migraine with aura and a history of clots rule out combined methods.
- Keep emergency contraception at home; the sooner it is taken, the better it works.
- Only condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Use a pharmacy rather than waiting for a GP appointment for routine oral contraception.
- Sexual health clinics fit implants and coils without a GP referral.
Cost and coverage
Free.
Recent changes
Pharmacy supply of oral contraception has significantly reduced waiting times in England; Scotland and Wales have their own free EC and contraception arrangements.
Where to go
- NHS sexual health service finder; Brook for under-25s.
- Participating community pharmacies in England.
- Sexwise, the FPA-derived information service.
Worth knowing
Confidentiality applies to under-16s: a clinic will not tell your parents, and services are used to explaining that clearly at the first appointment. Under-16s are entitled to confidential contraception where they understand the decision. Clinicians will encourage but cannot require parental involvement.
Official sources and links
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised