Contraceptives: Shortages

(asked on 10th February 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons there is a shortage of contraceptive drugs; what steps his Department is taking to tackle that shortage; and what lessons his Department has learnt to prevent a shortage of contraceptive drugs in the future.


Answered by
Jo Churchill Portrait
Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 13th February 2020

We are aware of manufacturing problems affecting supply of a limited number of contraceptive preparations. Most contraceptive medicines and products remain available, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues.

We have been working closely with affected suppliers of contraceptive medicines to maintain overall supply to patients and have provided regular updates about the supply issues and management advice to the National Health Service.

We understand the importance of maintaining access to contraceptives medicines to people in this country and are working with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the supply issues as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor the supply situation closely and to work with all suppliers to put contingency measures in place to ensure a continued supply of these products.

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