Expanded Free Contraception Scheme Now Includes Women Aged 32-35
The Minister for Health has announced that the free contraception scheme has been expanded to include women aged 32-35, starting from 1 July. This extension now covers any woman aged 17 to 35 to apply for the scheme. The scheme, initially launched in 2022, is open to women, girls, and individuals who identify as transgender or non-binary.
Under the scheme, the costs of GP consultations, family planning, student health, and primary care centers are covered, along with prescriptions for various contraception options. With almost 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies providing services under the scheme, more than 189,000 people accessed the service last year.
This expansion was made possible by an additional €4 million in funding through the Women’s Health Fund under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025, bringing the total allocated budget for the scheme to €48 million for 2024. Minister Donnelly emphasized the importance of providing equitable access to services that allow women to control their reproductive health and avoid unintended pregnancies, especially as the average age of first-time mothers is 33 years.
The minister stated that amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures, this expansion of the scheme is a significant step towards providing a quality and equitable health service for all women.