NHS data reveals a significant gap in access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) across England. Prescription rates in the least deprived areas are over 30% higher than in the most deprived regions.
The highest LARC prescription rates were observed in the South West and South East of England. Conversely, London reported the lowest rates in 2024.
Overall LARC prescription rates, excluding injectables, stand at 40 per 1,000 women of reproductive age, which is notably lower than pre-pandemic levels. The most deprived areas saw 32.5 LARC prescriptions per 1,000 women, compared to 50 per 1,000 in the least deprived areas.
Short-acting reversible contraceptive prescriptions also follow this pattern of inequality. In 2024, primary care saw 74.5 prescriptions per 1,000 women in the most deprived areas, versus 115.6 per 1,000 in the least deprived areas. These rates are nearly 40% lower than in 2019.