Emergency Contraception

Every time a man and a woman have (PIV) sex, there is a chance of pregnancy. Contraception stops conception (getting pregnant). But occasionally contraception may fail, for example if:

• Your forget to take a pill
• A condom splits or breaks
• You are sick or have an upset stomach while taking the contraceptive pill

You can access Emergency Hormonal Contraception for free. 

Good to know: From November 2025 the Government introduced a national scheme where Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) is available from all community pharmacies for free. However, over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays we advise that you call ahead to the pharmacy that you intend to go to, to make sure that there is a pharmacist available to dispense the EHC. You can download a list of Oxfordshire Pharmacy opening times for the winter break.

Act quickly 

You can take emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) as soon as possible (ideally the morning after, but you can take it within 72 hours, and other forms of emergency contraception may be taken up to five days later). If you take EHC you have a much lower chance of becoming pregnant.

You can get EHC from these places for free.

• Your GP (Doctor)
• Any Sexual Health Clinic
• School Health Nurses
• All community pharmacies 

Crucial: It is quick, easy and safe to get hold of Emergency Contraception. Your School Health Nurse Service, Sexual Health Clinic, GP and pharmacists can all help. 

If you are a young person aged under 19 and need a school nurse during holidays or when schools are closed, you can contact the School Health Nurse Service - call or text 07769 235 149 Mon-Fri 9-5pm, contact Chathealth on 07312 263084 or email SHN.Oxfordshire@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk 

Not just the morning after

EHC is sometimes called the ‘morning after pill’. It does not have to be taken the morning after, but it will work better if you take it as soon as possible after having sex:

• In the first 24 hours after unprotected sex it is 95% effective.
• In the first 48 hours it is 85% effective.
• In the first 72 hours it is 58% effective.

If you think you may need to take EHC, but it is more than 72 hours since you have had sex, you can still take one of two other kinds of emergency contraception. 

Crucial: You can get EHC from Your GP (Doctor). But make sure you tell them that you need Emergency Hormonal Contraception when you call to make the appointment. That way they know you need to be seen urgently.

Emergency Contraception is not abortion

Emergency contraception may stop ovulation (releasing the egg), fertilisation of an egg (when the sperm and egg meet), or a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus (womb).

Medical research and legal judgement are quite clear. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. It is not abortion. Abortion can only take place after a fertilised egg has implanted in the uterus.

Instant expert: Get details about all the emergency contraception options available, and find out how they work, from Emergency Contraception on NHS Choices.

Experience: ‘Everyone was friendly at the clinic’

It is normal to feel worried about accessing services for the first time. But all people need to access sexual health services. Staff are friendly and support is free and easy to access.

Experience: ‘The nurse was friendly and explained everything. She asked a lot of questions to make sure that if I went on the Pill I wouldn’t have side effects. Then I saw the doctor. She gave me the pills and told me how to take them and when. She said I could ring or come back if I had any problems. If you are thinking about going to a Sexual Health Clinic, don’t worry. Everyone is nice to you.’ – Rebecca