The “morning after pill” is 100% taken without a prescription

In order to improve the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, since the 1^er january 2023, the “morning after pill” is available in pharmacies, free of charge and without a prescription, for all people, minors and adults, and regardless of the medication used. This is because the effectiveness of emergency contraception is maximal within 24 hours of the pregnancy risk ratio.

Until then, emergency contraception was only 100% covered by Health Insurance for women under 26 with a prescription and for those under 18 without a prescription. For women aged 26 years and over, the morning-after pill was 65% covered by the Health Insurance on presentation of a prescription.

This measure is enshrined in the Social Security Financing Act for 2023. The implementing decree was published in the Official Journal of 9 February 2023.

How do I get emergency contraception in a pharmacy?

If you are an adult, to obtain an emergency contraceptive medicine, you can go to the pharmacy of your choice as soon as possible (within hours of unprotected intercourse, not beyond 3 to 5 days) and present your vital card or a certificate of rights (downloadable on your ameli account) or your State Medical Aid Card (AME).

If you are a minor, a simple declaration of honor is sufficient to justify your age, you do not need to present your Vital Card or AME certificate. You can request the confidentiality of the dispensing of the medicine, if you wish.

The pharmacist will receive you in a privacy space and will give you advice and recommendations on the use of this emergency contraception. Don't hesitate to ask him all your questions. It will also provide you with information on the different ways to contraception and contraceptive information and follow-up consultations.

Emergency hormonal contraception is now 100% covered by Health Insurance, without an advance payment.

Where can I get emergency contraception for free?

Outside pharmacies, emergency hormonal contraception can also be obtained free of charge:

• in sexual health centers (e.g. family planning and education centers): adult women without social security coverage can obtain emergency contraception medicines without a doctor’s prescription and anonymously;
• at free centers for information, testing and diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (CeGIDD): drugs for emergency contraception can be provided without a doctor’s prescription and anonymously;
• in secondary schools: school nurses may provide emergency contraception for underage and adult pupils;
• in university health services: nurses can provide emergency contraception for female students (usually adults).