For the first time, people in Scotland will be able to access birth control without first consulting with a doctor.

Up to three months of the progestogen-only contraception pill, known as the minipill, will be made available from local pharmacies across Scotland.

Following a successful trial in Lothian and Tayside, the bridging contraceptive service will ensure those in need are protected from pregnancy while longer-term options are arranged with GPs or sexual health services.

This is the first step towards a ‘Women’s Health’ community pharmacy service, a key pledge in the Scottish government’s Women’s Health Plan published earlier this year.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nicola Steedman, said: “Until now, pharmacies could only supply emergency contraception and then needed to direct women to their GP practice for longer term contraception options.

“Providing a temporary supply of the progestogen-only pill within pharmacies will give women more choice over their reproductive health therefore reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

“This is not intended to replace existing services providing contraception, but to widen access and bridge the gap between emergency contraception and longer-term contraception choices for women.

“Patients will be advised by pharmacy teams to speak to their GP or local sexual and reproductive health service for ongoing contraception after receiving this temporary supply.”

The MHRA, the regulator for medicines for the whole of the UK, decided to reclassify two minipill brands to allow access without a prescription back in July.

Since summer, people in the UK have been able to purchase the minipill over the counter following a consultation with a pharmacist.

In Scotland individuals aged between 13 and 55 can now be given a three-month supply of the contraceptive free of charge where it is clinically appropriate.

The minipill can protect against pregnancy from the first day of use and, if taken correctly, is more than 99% effective.

Community Pharmacy Scotland CEO, Harry McQuillan, said: “Ultimately, this will improve the range of options and ease of access that the women of Scotland have when it comes to contraception, and we are delighted that our network of pharmacies can be part of this important step forward in women’s health.”

Read more: Ministers publish ambitions for women’s health; Off-the-shelf morning after pill a mistake, CPS says; Community pharmacy: We want to do more

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