The rollout of free contraception for young women is a “ground-breaking step” – but it must now be rolled out for all ages.

From today, women aged 17 to 25-years-old are entitled to a free contraception consultation with their doctor, a free prescription and free access to whichever form of contraception suits their needs.

The scheme is being rolled out after years of campaigning from health professionals and women’s groups.

The National Women’s Council is welcoming the rollout – but warning that the age bracket must be widened to include more women as soon as possible.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Monaghan GP Illona Duffy described it as a “wonderful scheme”.

“It’s something we’ve been looking for, for a long time,” she said. “Simon Harris promised this would be introduced a number of years ago and it is great to see it now happen.

“I know there may be some concern from GPs about extra workload but the realities of it are, we’re already doing this work and I think what we’re going to be able to do is do it better now and ensure finance does not become a barrier to safe contraception for all females in this age group.”

Contraception

She said finance has been a barrier for some women up to now – with costs ranging from the ongoing price of the pill to the large up-front investment required for more long-term options.

“Surprisingly [finance is a barrier],” she said. “If you are a college student for example, it can be difficult and can be a reason that you choose not to opt for formal contraception and perhaps use less safe methods which obviously put you at risk of pregnancy and an unwanted pregnancy being the main outcome of this.”

She said international evidence proves that free contraception leads to a reduction in unwanted pregnancy.

“This is age group, from 17 to 25 inclusive – right up until they turn 26 – will now be able to see their GP, access a full consultation with them and be provided with a prescription and get that prescription filled for free,” she said.

“So, I think it’s great. I don’t think it’s going to be a massive cost on the State and the cost/benefit ratio is going to definitely make this one of the better programmes they are bringing out.”

Care

Dr Duffy said the scheme will also ensure a better service for women.

“Perhaps those who are on the pill will be able to have two consultations a year as opposed to one consultation a year,” she said.

“I think it will also provide for better care in that, instead of perhaps seeking the medication online and missing out on that examination with their GP and the chance to talk about other aspects of their sexual health such as STI prevention, they will now be able to access all of those services.”

You can listen back here: