Germany: Morning-after pill sales rise without reducing abortion rates

In Germany, the removal of prescription requirements for the ‘morning-after pill’ has not led to the intended reduction in abortion rates. Statistics from the Federal Association of German Pharmacists show that approximately 900,000 packs of this hormonal emergency contraceptive are sold annually, with the majority being purchased without a prescription. This is a significant increase from the 660,000 packs sold in 2015 when prescription requirements were still in place.

Despite the rise in emergency contraceptive sales, the Federal Statistical Office reported that abortion numbers actually saw a slight increase between 2021 and 2024, reaching 106,000 last year. The Federal Chamber of Physicians noted that making the pill available without a prescription has not resulted in a significant reduction in abortions.