A free contraception scheme for young women aged 17 to 25 is available from today.
Women can register for the service through their GP, while it's also available to those on a medical card.
This morning I’ve signed the commencement order for the #FreeContraception scheme for women aged 17-25. An historic day for women’s health in Ireland. @roinnslainte @HSELive @IMO_IRL @IrishPharmacy @merrionstreet pic.twitter.com/eWRxGTkGd9
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 14, 2022
The cost of removing a contraceptive device is also covered.
The National Women's Council of Ireland has welcomed the scheme as a step forward, but wants to see the scheme expanded to more women.
The council's Women’s Health Coordinator Alana Ryan, said: “This is a groundbreaking step. Universal free contraception is a public health intervention with transformative potential and key to gender equality."
"Much of the time it falls to women to look after contraception, but the benefits of free contraception will be felt across society as women take control of their reproductive lives and choices."
"However, some women are sexually active before the age of 17, and long after the age of 25. So it’s crucial that Government follows this excellent first step up with a widening of the age bracket in the budget at the end of the month”.
