The Government funded scheme to provide free contraception will be expanded to include women aged 26 from January 1, 2023, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced. This is despite a report commissioned by former Health Minister, Simon Harris, saying such a scheme would probably be a waste of public money.
Initially for women aged 17 to 25, the scheme was launched on September 14 of this year. It will include women aged 17-30 by September 1, 2023.
Eligible women are able to visit GPs and other medical facilities such as family planning clinics for consultations regarding the best contraceptive options from them.
Funding is also provided through Budget 2023 to expand the scheme for 16-year-olds also, subject to consultation across Government, legal advice and legislative amendment.
Total funding of approximately €32m has been allocated in Budget 2023 to support the scheme.
