NSW will allow pharmacists to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill directly to women aged 18 and over, eliminating the need for a GP appointment in participating pharmacies.

Up to 60 pharmacists will provide consultations and prescribe the pill to women over 18, expanding access beyond GP visits.

The reform aims to provide faster, more convenient access to contraception by letting pharmacists prescribe without a GP visit.

The rollout starts modestly, with eligibility expanding as more pharmacists complete the required credentials.

NSW Premier frames the reform as basic healthcare to simplify access, while doctors’ groups warn it may be politics-driven rather than evidence-based public health.

The reform is part of a broader NSW healthcare package, including pharmacist treatment of UTIs and skin conditions, and enabling GPs to manage ADHD treatments more efficiently.

Health officials say the move addresses reproductive healthcare gaps for women facing cost or access barriers, though concerns from the Royal Australian College of GPs about pharmacists’ clinical capability in a retail setting have been noted.

The NSW move follows similar pharmacist-delivered contraception efforts in Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania, with more states considering expansion.

The expansion is designed to reduce pressure on GPs and speed up care, though noticeable changes may take time to materialize.

Since 2023, over 750 pharmacies have participated in a statewide trial to resupply the pill for women who already hold a prescription.

The reform follows a clinical trial that began in 2023 allowing pharmacists to offer resupplies, with 773 pharmacists registered for the service in NSW.

The program aligns with efforts to empower women’s reproductive health and reduce barriers to routine contraception, with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia supporting it as safe and accessible.