Women aged between 17 and 25 can now avail of free contraception following the launch of a State-funded scheme by the Government.
From Wednesday, women in this age group can obtain contraception from GPs, primary care centres and pharmacists who sign up to the new scheme.
While no more than 100 GPs have so far inquired about signing up to the scheme, health officials say no eligible woman should pay for contraception henceforth. Over the coming weeks, most GPs are expected to join the scheme, for which they will be paid €55 per consultation.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly hailed the scheme as “another big milestone” in the delivery of commitments to improve women’s health. With a full-year cost of €26 million, he said it was one of the most expensive measures he has introduced.
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The announcement marked a “huge day” for Irish women and would “empower young women”, advocacy agencies have said.
Mr Donnelly said he would like to see the scheme progressively extended to other age-groups each year, though he cautioned there were “legislative complexities” about providing free contraception to children under 17.
He expressed support for making the contraceptive pill available over the counter in pharmacies, though he acknowledged the Irish Medical Organisation had raised “legitimate concerns” about maintaining the doctor-patient relationship.
The Irish Pharmacy Union said young women were not being given a choice as to where they access their contraception, and pointed out that the Pill is available prescription-free in the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand
An estimated 250,000 women are in the age cohort covered by the scheme, though some will already be able to access free contraception if they have a medical card. However, existing prescription charges are being dropped for all eligible women, including those with medical cards.
Coverage is initially limited to face-to-face consultations with GPs, though in time it may be extended to include telemedicine services.
The scheme covers the cost of prescriptions, consultations with GPs and the fitting and removal of long-acting reversible contraception (Larc). Also covered are items currently available to medical card holders such as contraceptive injections, implants, pills, patches and intrauterine devices, including emergency contraception.
Women will be eligible from their 17th birthday to the day before their 26th birthday - and beyond, for subsequent device removal.
The launch of the scheme has been warmly welcomed by medical and women’s groups, though some GPs have complained of a lack of prior communication from the HSE.
Welcoming HSE confirmation that girls in their late teens and young women would have the right to free contraception, including coils and contraceptive implants, the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) said it was “a really significant advance”.
Its chief executive, Niall Behan, said young women would “no longer have to make contraceptive decisions based on cost. Their decisions will now be based solely on their individual needs, preferences and circumstances.
“We know from our services that this initiative will have an enormously positive impact on the health and well-being of thousands of women and girls. It is a crucial stepping-stone towards gender equality and reproductive autonomy in Ireland. We look forward to welcoming the first clients of the free contraception scheme through our clinic doors, from today.”
The Well Woman Centres, which has three clinics in Dublin, described the service as “a monumental step towards affordable and accessible contraception for all”.
Chief executive, Alison Begas, said: “This is a huge day for women in Ireland and we gladly welcome the scheme.
“Anything that takes down the barriers that block access to contraception is a win for everyone in Ireland and an important step towards a better future for women.
“We have long advocated for improved access for women, particularly younger women, to their preferred or the ideal form of contraception. It is important that organisations with frontline expertise, such as Well Woman, are in conversation with the HSE around implementation of the scheme, and how it will operate.”
