Doctors are warning of a risk to women’s health amid a “dangerous” decision by the federal government to allow pharmacists to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill.
The RACGP has accused the government of ignoring expert advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which in 2021 blocked proposals for the contraceptive pill to be sold over the counter at pharmacies.
Now, the federal government has announced that from January 2027 a pilot program will allow concession holders to access contraceptives and treatments for uncomplicated UTIs prescribed by qualified pharmacists, without a doctor’s prescription.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the decision represents a serious failure of health policy that puts women’s health and safety at risk.
“Women’s health is not a pilot project. This decision puts politics ahead of patient safety and sends a troubling message to Australian women that expert medical advice can be ignored,” she said.
“Australians deserve to know why their government is overriding the advice of the nation’s independent medicines regulator, advice that exists for one reason – to keep people safe.”
Dr Raman said that while hormonal contraception is safe and commonly used, it should not be prescribed casually.
“It carries well established risks, including increased risk of stroke and blood clots, particularly during periods of hormonal change, the very times when women need comprehensive medical assessment, not fragmented care,” she added.
“A new headache, visual changes, ‘auras’ – that’s a red flag, not a refill. Allowing pharmacists to prescribe the pill sends a dangerous public health message to Australian women, that this is a simple, risk-free medication when it is not.”
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Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australian women, with changes in hormonal status among the most significant risk factors.
Dr Lisa Murphy, chief executive of Stroke Foundation, said women deserve access to accurate, complete information about the risks and benefits of every contraceptive option so they can make informed decisions about their health.
“Stroke risk can be influenced by a number of factors across a woman’s life, including use of the oral contraceptive pill, pregnancy and menopause,” she said.
“These decisions should be made with access to personalised medical advice that considers an individual woman’s full health history and risk profile.”
The government said it expects the trial to provide access to pharmacy-prescribed contraceptives to around 250,000 women aged between18-55 years, at a concession rate of $7.70.
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Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the trial would make it easier for women to access contraception.
“Access to contraception should not depend on where you live or how easy it is to get a doctor’s appointment.”
National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the news as recognition of the vital role pharmacists play as the “most accessible frontline primary healthcare providers”.
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“Women deserve expert care where and when they need it — and community pharmacists are uniquely placed to provide it safely and locally,” he said.
“This package acknowledges what communities have known for years: when women need timely health support, they turn to their local pharmacy first.”
The Pharmacy Board is expected to provide advice on implementing the national prescribing standard in July 2026.
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