There has been much discussion in the columns of The Journal recently about whether or not community pharmacists should offer hormonal emergency contraception services. It is quite clear from this and from attitudinal research that, while a minority of pharmacists oppose such services, a majority do not (PJ, September 18, 1999, pR28). But the debate has been conducted on theoretical or philosophical grounds. There has been no practical experience of pharmacists in Britain offering such services in a way that allows them to be properly evaluated. That omission is in the process of being repaired. As we report this week, a pilot scheme is now in operation in Manchester, Salford and Trafford. We hope that the trial is successful. If it is, the view of the Council of the Society that emergency hormonal contraception should be available from pharmacies (PJ, June 19, 1999, p873) is more likely to receive widespread application.