Big win for women's health: This country to offer free 'morning-after' pill over the counter

London: The UK government has announced that the "morning-after" pill, a form of emergency contraception, will be made available for free over the counter at pharmacies across England later this year.

Currently, women can obtain the pill free of charge from sexual health clinics run by the National Health Service (NHS) and most GP surgeries. However, it can cost up to £30 ($38) to purchase the emergency contraceptive over the counter at pharmacies.

The move to make the pill available for free at pharmacies is aimed at addressing health inequalities and increasing accessibility, according to a statement from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It is also expected to ease the burden on GPs, as women will no longer need to make appointments to access the medication.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasised the importance of equal access to contraception, describing it as "crucial to women's healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society." He added, "Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live."

Further details on the initiative will be announced on Monday as part of a broader "package of investment and reform" for community and retail pharmacies, the DHSC confirmed.