Contraceptive pill on offer without prescription

The scheme was announced last December and will take place in Southwark and Lambeth over the next two years.

Young women aged 16 and over will be able to visit selected pharmacies to pick up the contraceptive pill without having to visit their GP first. Pharmacists have received training at King's College London about the consulting process and the advice they should provide before giving out the pill.

Both Southwark and Lambeth primary care trusts have among the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the UK.

A spokesman for Lambeth Primary Care Trust said: "We will be piloting the contraceptive pill over the counter in a number of pharmacies across the borough. They will be able to distribute the pill without the GP's prescription but all pharmacists taking part will be fully authorised and trained."

A spokeswoman for sexual health advice organisation Brook said: "Brook welcomes this increased access to free contraception for all women. We would need to ensure that there are private and confidential areas so that appropriate discussions about contraceptive choices and emergency contraception can be held."

In December 2007, the Department of Health said it aimed to train pharmacists to supply contraceptive pills over the counter.