Free contraception now available for women aged 17-30 years

The free contraception scheme in Ireland has been expanded to include women aged 27 to 30 years - meaning all women and girls aged 17 to 30 years not qualify for the scheme.

The expansion was announced by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today.

The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors.

The initiative was first launched in September 2022 for those aged 17-25, and expanded to include 26 year olds from January 1 last. It is now being made available to all women aged 17-30 inclusive.

Minister Donnelly said: "Ireland has come a long way in terms of the supports it offers for sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equity and family planning. Increasing access to free contraception through the free contraception scheme and the National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS) is therefore a key priority for this Government, supporting positive sexual health and choice in family planning.

Local Fianna Fáil TDs Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith also welcomed the development.

Deputy Brendan Smith said: "It further removes financial barriers to women’s healthcare, particularly in the context of the current cost of living crisis. Fianna Fáil will continue to prioritise gender equity, reducing costs and being ambitious in our work to deliver world class healthcare for women in Ireland.”

His colleague Deputy Smyth added: "Free contraception is a cost-effective measure, supporting sexual health and reducing both crisis pregnancy and termination of pregnancy rates."

She also highlighted, in terms of women's health, how the government is introducing publicly funded IVF this year, while VAT on HRT and period products has been removed.

"Our ambition is to continue to invest in women’s healthcare and expand free contraception to many more women,” concluded Deputy Smyth.

What's covered under the contraception scheme?

The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning, student health and primary care centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the Health Service Executive (HSE) Re-Imbursement List. These options include long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs). LARCS include injections, implants and hormonal and copper intra-uterine devices and systems (coils). The scheme also includes emergency contraception in addition to the oral contraceptive pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and checks are also free of charge under the scheme.

Prescriptions are dispensed at a local pharmacy of choice. If LARCs are chosen (for example: coils and implants), patients return to a service provider participating in the scheme to have the device fitted, and subsequently removed. All of these costs are fully covered by the State and are free of charge to the patient.

In addition to its primary use, hormonal contraception also plays a key role in treating adverse symptoms, such as pain and heavy bleeding, that can be associated with periods.

Almost 2,400 GPs and 1,950 pharmacies have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date. Approximately €31.5 million was allocated to support the scheme in 2023.

Further information regarding both free prescription contraception and the National Condom Distribution Service is available through the HSE’s Sexual Wellbeing website.