Nearly 180,000 women got the morning-after pill or other ’emergency contraception’ on free drugs schemes during the past three years at a cost of nearly €15.5m, figures have revealed [1]. The morning-after pill can have an abortifacient effect.
More than 60pc of those who availed of the morning-after pill were medical card holders, while 28pc received drugs and devices under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS). The remaining patients qualified under the Free Contraception Scheme.
Meanwhile, the Government faces growing pressure to roll out paid fertility leave for workers as it prepares to launch its first free IVF scheme next month [2]. IVF works for only around 25pc of those who use it and costs about €5,000 per cycle in Ireland.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced full funding for one round of IVF or ICSI treatment from September.
A Department of Children spokesperson did not give a direct response when asked if new laws to entitle workers to statutory leave are being considered.
Due to the lack of a statutory entitlement, the Labour Party drafted a bill that includes a provision for up to 10 days’ leave for those seeking IVF treatment.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/calls-for-government-to-offer-fertility-leave-for-employees-undergoing-ivf/a414978123.html