From September 2022 contraception has become free in Ireland for women between the ages of 17 and 25. The government scheme was allocated ¤9 million in the 2022 budget under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-2023, which aims to improve all areas in women’s healthcare. Launched by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, the comprehensive scheme covers GP consultations, emergency contraception, long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), IUS and IUDs, contraceptive injections, the contraceptive patch, and combined oral contraception (the pill). Women can choose the contraception that works best for them and their lifestyle without any financial barriers.
While currently the scheme is confined to a small cohort, the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath announced in the 2023 budget that they are expanding the scheme to make free contraception available from ages 16-30 years. Niall Behan, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) commended the scheme as a “major step forward for reproductive health and rights.” The scheme’s already quick expansion suggests a further step in the right direction for reproductive autonomy and gender equality in Ireland.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has called for government to expand the accessibility of the free contraception scheme for young women. The IPU has said that women should be given the choice to access contraception directly from their pharmacist, on foot of a structured consultation. This will provide women with even more options to safely and effectively manage their reproductive health and wellbeing.
Speaking on International Women’s Day pharmacist and Chair of IPU’s PCC Committee Kathy Maher explained the benefits of expanding choices to women. “Pharmacies are easily accessible and located in practically every town and village in the country. Women can visit their pharmacy at times that suit them in evenings or weekends. Women should have the choice to avail of this convenience to access contraception.”
AUTHOR: DUARTE NUNES DA SILVA, MANAGING SUPERVISING PHARMACIST MCGREALS PHARMACY GROUP
Read more CPDs
