Free emergency contraception for under 18s

Spring in the air? Feeling romantic? Before you make your moves, you need to know some key facts about contraception and sexual health:

1. Condoms are the best protection against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
2. You can get free emergency contraception from your local C&SH (formerly Family Planning Clinics) at any age, and from some pharmacists (list here) if you are under 18.
3. Your GP or local C&SH can help you get your regular contraception sorted out, at any age.

Protect yourself from unwanted conceptions

If your main contraception fails (for example, if a condom breaks or you forget to take the pill) you can take emergency hormonal contraception (EHC).

EHC is a pill. Taken within 24 hours after sex it prevents 95% of pregnancies, taken later than that — up to 72 hours — it prevents 58% of pregnancies. 

Because EHC is more effective the sooner after sex it is taken, it's important that you take it as soon as possible. So we're trying to make it easily available from lots of different places.

You can now get free emergency hormonal contraception:

• From your local C&SH
• From your GP (ask for an urgent appointment and say why)
• From a pharmacist (chemist) for free if you are under 18
• You can also buy EHC from a pharmacist if you are 16+, it costs £24+

Wherever you go, you will need to have a quick chat with a contraception specialist, so that they can check it's safe for you to take EHC.

• Full list of pharmacists in Oxfordshire offering FREE Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) to young people under 18

Can I call or text for information about contraception and sexual health?

If you want to talk to someone, there are lots of helplines available:

• NHS Direct 08 45 46 47 can help you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you're calling from a mobile, they can text you key information, e.g. the number or address of your local C&SH clinic.
• Connexions Direct 080 800 13 2 19 is open from 8am to 2am, and can be contacted by text. Information is suitable for young people aged 13-19.
• Sexwise Helpline 0800 28 29 30 is open from 7am to midnight, 7 days a week, and provides info about sexual health for under 18s