Eligibility for the Free Morning-After Pill

Depending on your location, Anfield Pharmacy may provide emergency contraception free of charge as part of an NHS-funded Emergency Contraception Service. This service is available to women, including those under 16; however, those under 16 may need to contact a GP or local sexual health clinic for an in-person consultation.

The NHS Emergency Contraception Service offers two types of morning-after pills:

• Ulipristal acetate (e.g., ellaOne) – effective up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
• Levonorgestrel (e.g., Levonelle) – effective up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.

If you’re not eligible for the NHS service or it is unavailable in your area, Anfield Pharmacy also offers the morning-after pill as a private service. Both options include a private consultation with a pharmacist, who will discuss your health background to determine the most suitable option for you.

Process for Obtaining Emergency Contraception

In some cases, your GP can provide a free prescription for emergency contraception at your local pharmacy. To simplify this process, Anfield Pharmacy may offer direct access to emergency contraception services where available, allowing you to visit without a GP referral.

If you choose to schedule an appointment at Anfield Pharmacy, you’ll be asked questions such as:

• Are you female and between the ages of 16 and 55?
• Are you currently taking prescribed oral contraceptives?
• Are you taking your oral contraceptive regularly without any missed doses?

If under 16, please visit in person for a consultation rather than booking online or by phone.

Appointments are typically available the same day, and your consultation will be private and non-judgmental. Your pharmacist will ask questions to determine the best emergency contraception option, such as:

• Date of your last period and usual cycle length
• Date of last unprotected sex
• Type of contraception you currently use
• Recent use of any emergency contraception.

After gathering this information, your pharmacist will discuss your options, which may include one of the morning-after pills or, if more appropriate, a referral to your GP or sexual health clinic for an IUD.

Additional Emergency Contraception Options

In addition to local pharmacies, emergency contraception is available through:

• GP surgeries
• Sexual health clinics (also called family planning or contraception clinics)
• NHS walk-in centres
• Some young people’s services (for more information, contact the National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123).

You may also access free emergency contraception through online NHS services, depending on your location. Options include online pharmacies, online GP consultations, and local online services.

If you need emergency contraception or wish to speak with someone confidentially about sexual health concerns, please contact or visit Anfield Pharmacy for assistance.