Removing cost from contraception will empower young women, enabling them to choose the contraceptive that works best for them
The IFPA welcomes today’s budget announcement of funding for a free contraception scheme starting with under 25s.
Niall Behan Chief Executive Officer of the IFPA commented: “Removing cost from contraception will empower young women and enable them to choose the method that works best for them. The high upfront cost of the most effective long-lasting contraceptives makes them inaccessible to many women, who are currently forced to rely on less effective methods, or no method at all.”
“The new scheme announced in the budget means that decisions on contraceptive method will no longer be dictated by cost for the under-25 age-group. We commend the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, for progressing this initiative. It will have a very real impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Ireland.”
Niall Behan continued: “This is a welcome first step towards fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to free contraception. We look forward to the rollout of a high-quality scheme that is inclusive, available, accessible and acceptable to all, includes all forms of short and long-acting contraceptives and rapidly expands to include all women in Ireland.”
Ends
For press and media queries please contact: Sophie Mac Neice Communications Officer on 086 7952167 or press@ifpa.ie
Notes
- The IFPA is Ireland’s leading sexual health provider. The organisation offers a comprehensive range of services which promote sexual health and support reproductive choice on a not-for-profit basis, and promotes the right of all people to comprehensive, dedicated and affordable sexual and reproductive health information and services.
- Find us on Twitter @IrishFPA on Instagram @irishfamilyplanning and on Facebook @irishfamilyplanningassociation
- Universal, Free Access to Contraception in Ireland – Framework Report (September 2021). This report outlines the principles for universal rights-based access to contraception. You can read it HERE