The pill is the most common way Australian women avoid getting pregnant. Almost 30% of Australian women who use contraception take the pill.
Now, several state and territory governments are giving women greater access to the pill. Just this week, New South Wales announced it would allow eligible pharmacists to prescribe it to women aged 18 and above, without them needing to see a GP first.
But around the country, the rules governing how women can access the pill through pharmacies vary. And certain types of the pill still aren't available under pharmacy prescribing schemes anywhere in Australia.
How does the pill work?
The combined oral contraceptive pill is a daily medication that women can take to avoid unwanted pregnancies , or plan when they want to conceive.
The pill contains two hormones, typically oestrogen and progestogen or derivatives of these hormones, which stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. These hormones also makes a woman's cervical mucus thicker, which helps prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
The pill is the most common kind of contraceptive. However, other types are also available. These include progestogen-only pills, otherwise known as the "mini pill", and intrauterine devices that are implanted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, the pill can also help women manage other medical conditions. These include menstrual disorders , such as heavy bleeding or painful periods. Women who have severe acne or endometriosis may also have less pain when on the pill.
So, what's changing?
Until recently, women could only access the pill by following three strict steps.
- visit a GP for a script
- go to a pharmacy to get a supply of this medication
- return to the GP when this supply runs out, asking them for a new prescription.
However, federal and state governments are working to simplify this process.
In March, Victoria announced that from July this year, it'd allow women taking the pill for the first time to get it from pharmacies, without a GP prescription. This applies to women aged 18 and older.
Soon after, the federal government said it'd allow concession card holders to access subsidised contraceptives prescribed by qualified pharmacists, without the need to see a GP. This change will come into effect across Australia from January 2027, pending approval from all states and territories.
Most recently, NSW has announced trained pharmacists will be able to prescribe a range of oral contraceptives from June 1, 2026. However, this is only to women aged 18 and above who have a low risk of complications.
These announcements come as trained pharmacists take on a greater role in caring for people with acute and chronic health conditions. Researchers around Australia are currently investigating whether this is a safe and effective way to take pressure off GPs and the broader health-care system.
Training is key
Importantly, these new initiatives haven't made the pill a fully "over the counter" medication.
Pharmacists who provide a resupply service in NSW, meaning a GP already prescribed the contraception in the past two years, must complete online training modules . Only then are they eligible to resupply up to 12 months of certain contraceptives. However, specific training requirements vary for each jurisdiction.
Under NSW's new scheme, pharmacists must also have a postgraduate qualification in prescribing. That allows them to prescribe new contraceptives, or a different type of contraception, to a patient.
In certain jurisdictions, and with patient consent, pharmacists must notify the patient's regular GP if they prescribe or resupply any contraception.
However, using contraceptives carries certain risks. People may be more likely to develop adverse symptoms, such as blood clots , because they have underlying conditions or other risk factors.
That's why pharmacists must have thorough consultations with patients. This involves screening for risk factors, such as high blood pressure, before prescribing or resupplying contraceptives. And if their consultation raises any concerns, pharmacists must refer a patient to be reviewed by their GP.
For some people, longer-acting forms of contraception such as implants, or forms of contraception not available through pharmacists may be more suitable. It's best to discuss these options with a GP. It's also worth noting that seeing a pharmacist shouldn't replace routine visits to the GP, which are key to monitoring your overall health.
In NSW, about 60 pharmacists have already completed a graduate certificate in prescribing from James Cook University. After also completing a state government reproductive health course, they'll be eligible to start prescribing certain oral contraceptives from June 1, 2026.
So, how can I get the pill?
You can find a participating pharmacy by visiting this website or contacting your local state or territory health department.
However, not every pharmacist can prescribe. So if you want to take the pill, it's best to call your local pharmacy ahead of time. That way you can ask if their pharmacists are eligible to prescribe and/or resupply contraceptives, and discuss any anticipated costs. If they do, ask for a suitable time to go. But be prepared for a longer consultation, rather than a quick visit.
Importantly, seeing a pharmacist doesn't guarantee you'll get the pill. Depending on your jurisdiction, they may not be able to give you certain types of the pill or other contraceptives.
Instead, they may refer you to a GP to discuss other options. And if you're using contraceptives primarily to manage another condition, such as acne, you'll generally still need to see your GP.
Rebekah Moles is affiliated with the NSW branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as an elected branch committee member.
Jack Collins is affiliated with the NSW branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as an elected branch committee member.
