Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what safeguards are in place to ensure women are properly assessed and informed before CHC is prescribed by GPs, pharmacists and online services.

Prescribers are responsible for ensuring that combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are clinically appropriate and safe for each patient, whether prescribed face to face or remotely. Before prescribing, clinicians should consider relevant medical conditions, medicines, contraindications and individual risk factors, including the risk of blood clots, and support informed choice by discussing the benefits, risks and alternative contraceptive methods.

National clinical guidance supports healthcare professionals in assessing suitability for contraception. CHC product information and educational materials also provide information on blood-clot risks, including a checklist for prescribers and information for patients on risk factors, warning symptoms and when to seek urgent medical attention.

The same professional responsibilities apply to online prescribing. Pharmacies in England, including those providing services online, must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and meet its standards for safe and effective care.