Bill to guarantee free contraception access across England

This bill would require all areas of England to provide free contraceptive services. It covers birth control pills, condoms, implants, and emergency contraception. The government says this will reduce unplanned pregnancies and health inequalities. Currently, contraceptive services vary between different local areas. Some places have good access while others have limited services. The bill would create legal duties for local health bodies called Integrated Care Boards to ensure contraception is available. It would also require clear information about where people can get these services. The government says this will particularly help young people and those in deprived areas who currently struggle to access contraception.

• 1Requires all English areas to provide free contraceptive services including pills, condoms and implants
• 2Creates legal duties for local Integrated Care Boards to ensure contraception access
• 3Aims to reduce differences in contraceptive services between different areas
• 4Requires clear public information about where contraceptive services are available
• 5Government says this will reduce unplanned pregnancies and help disadvantaged groups