LONDON — Almost 305,000 doses of emergency contraception were supplied free of charge through pharmacies in England during the first five months of an expanded NHS service, according to new figures released on Tuesday.

The figures cover the period from October 2025 to March 2026, following changes that enabled women to access the morning-after pill through participating high-street pharmacies without needing to book a GP appointment or attend a sexual health clinic.

The NHS says the pharmacy-based approach is making emergency contraception easier to access, particularly for people who need timely treatment and may face difficulties obtaining an appointment elsewhere.

The expansion forms part of a wider effort to move more healthcare services into community pharmacies, reducing pressure on GP practices and making some forms of care more convenient for patients.

Health organisations say easier access can be particularly important with emergency contraception because it is time-sensitive. The latest figures suggest substantial demand for the service during its first months.

The development highlights the growing role of NHS pharmacies in women's health and community healthcare, as policymakers look for ways to improve access while reducing pressure on traditional primary-care services.