Morning-after pill available free to all Plymouth

Emergency hormonal contraception is available for free at Plymouth pharmacies

Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) is now available free of charge to all women at pharmacies in Plymouth.

Often referred to as the morning-after pill, EHC was previously only free to women aged 24 or under.

Those older than 24 had to pay "up to around £35" for EHC, "which can be a prohibitively high cost", said the city's council.

It has now been made available at no cost for all women, regardless of their age.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "It's great news that the morning-after pill will now be available free of charge to all adults in Plymouth.

"Improving reproductive health is an important public health priority and we know that access to contraception is key to improved health for women in particular.

"By providing people with a choice, it reduces the costs to the wider health and care system." said Ms Aspinall.

Health bosses said EHC was a safe and effective way to protect against unplanned pregnancy in situations where contraception had not been used or had failed.

It can be taken up to three to five days following unprotected sex, although the earlier it is taken, the lower the chances are of becoming pregnant, they added.

More advice about contraception and sexual health is available on the Sexual Health in Plymouth or the NHS websites.