Some 150,000 women between the ages of 17 and 26 have accessed the free contraception scheme since it was introduced last year. 

The scheme, introduced in Budget 2023, offers eligible free birth control, including the contraceptive pill, injections, implants, IUDs and the contraceptive patch. 

Consultations with GPs to discuss contraceptive options are also free for eligible women under the scheme. 

The Department of Health said women aged 18 to 21 are most likely to avail of the scheme. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he is “delighted” with the high uptake among young women. 

“What this scheme is about is women having the freedom to control their reproductive health without having any financial barriers,” he said. 

“We know that sometimes the most appropriate contraception is the most expensive and for some women that is too much of a barrier.” 

The free contraception scheme was expanded to include 26-year-olds in January this year and was expanded in September to include women aged between 27 and 30. 

Expanding the contraception scheme

From January 1st, 2024, the scheme will also include 31-year-old women. 

Mr Donnelly said he wants to see the financial scheme expand further. 

“Ultimately, the goal is to make it available for all ages,” he said.

Feedback from GPs

He said GPs have reported “strong feedback” on the scheme among patients and staff. 

“Their patients are finding it very positive to be able to have the conversation with their GP about their options and their reproductive health,” he said. 

“Some GPs are saying it’s giving them a really valuable opportunity to talk to women about their health.” 

The Department of Health is also drafting legislation to allow pharmacists to dispense oral contraception without a prescription. 

There have been calls to allocate funding to expand the contraception scheme to 16-year-olds, as promised in Budget 2023, although some argue this is an “inherent contradiction”.