RESEARCH: National Health Service (Family Planning) Act 1967 (3)

https://humanism.org.uk/2017/06/28/50th-anniversary-of-contraception-on-the-nhs/
Article published: June 28th 2017

The National health Service (Family Planning) Act 1967 made contraception readily available for all through the NHS in England and Wales - including the contraceptive pill for women.
Same year - the Abortion Act 1967 was passed.
These two Acts allowed women to take control of their fertility for the first time.
Argued that the advent of the contraception pill was the most significant medical advances of the last century.
The pill allowed women in the UK and the world, the freedom to plan if, when and how many they have children.

The contraceptive pill was originally created by American biologist Dr Gregory Pincus in the 1950s.
The contraceptive pill contains oestrogen and progestin hormones which prevents the process of ovulation.
Without an egg being released by the ovaries, no fertilisation can take place.
This method of contraception is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
There are 32 different forms of the pill worldwide.
Taken by over 100 million women globally.

The first pill was introduced in Britain in 1961.
Only available to married women through the NHS.
This was changed with the passing of this Act, introduced as a private member's Bill by Labour MP Edwin Brooks - made the pill freely accessible to all women (single or married).
Estimated that 70% of all women in Britain have used the pill at some point in their lives.

Passing of this Act been regarded as a revolutionary moment - empowers women both in public and private spheres.
The availability of free, reliable and easy-to-use contraceptives contributed to the dramatic increase in women in the workforce since 1960s - as well as being given the ability to study.
Opened up careers, educational and social opportunities - previously didn't exist (due to burdens of pregnancy and childcare).

Andrew Copson (Chief Executive of Humanists UK) - "one of the most influential and positive pieces of legislation in modern times. The 1967 National Health Service (Family Planning) Act has advanced, and continues to advance, the autonomy and life opportunities of millions of women in the UK who are no longer constrained by unwanted pregnancies.
Campaigns around abortion and contraception are ongoing."

In conclusion, I found this article on the Humanist's organisations website. This article may be bias due to its reflection on religion.

(In the post above, I have noted my findings for further use, all information is from the link at the top of this page.)