Many women are confused and embarrassed about emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), but pharmacy can play a key role in reassuring them and providing valued advice, said Deborah Evans, managing director of Pharmacy Complete and RPS English Pharmacy Board member.

In an educational session supported by HRA Pharma, Ms Evans told delegates that 43 per cent of women do not know where to get EHC and 50 per cent wrongly think that using EHC effectively causes an abortion or are not sure. And while 76 per cent of women disagreed that using emergency contraception meant a woman had been irresponsible and/or taken a risk, more than one-third thought that asking for emergency contraception was embarrassing and that there is still a stigma around it.

Discussing the role of the pharmacy team, Ms Evans highlighted the importance of not making assumptions, making women feel at ease, raising awareness of choice, and improving knowledge. She encouraged pharmacists to engage their teams to help provide women with a holistic experience. “It’s important to engage the team as a woman’s experience starts as soon as she walks into the pharmacy. EHC is a P-medicine, so staff can undertake most, if not all, of the consultation,” said Ms Evans.