Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Everything you need to know about the free contraceptive scheme which has been expanded

WORD is spreading, but surprisingly still not everybody is aware that currently in Ireland, women from the age of 17 to 30 are entitled to free contraception under the relatively new state contraception scheme.

The scheme was launched just over one year ago, accessible to women up to the age of 25, and was soon expanded to include women aged 26. A further expansion was announced in Budget 2023, up to the age of 30, which has been enacted, just in the past month.

Each of the following steps in the contraception process are covered by the programme:

Contraception consultation – this is the discussion you have with your healthcare provider about your medical history, current medications, treatment preferences and other important information that helps to decide what method to choose.

There are a range of both short acting and long acting options available on this scheme, and the choice of which one to go with is a personal one, that will be informed by this conversation. Progesterone only pill, combined pill, ring, implants, injections and intrauterine devices are all included in the scheme.

The prescription – both the piece of paper, and the item that is prescribed are free of charge, at the GP surgery and at the participating pharmacy that you fill the prescription with.

Fitting and removal - For longer acting methods of contraception such as coils, intrauterine devices and bars, the fitting and removal of these is also covered – no cost should be incurred in this regard.

Similarly, if you need a return visit to follow up on any of this, or to investigate any contraception-related challenges, then these should not incur a cost either.

Emergency contraception in the form of a pill is also included in this scheme, so should be free of charge to you also.

The copper coil as an emergency contraception method would incur a charge for the device, but the GP consultation and cost of insertion is covered by the scheme.

It is important to note that while a large number of contraceptive options are available under this scheme, not all are covered. Spermicides, or condoms, for example, are not included and would need to be paid for in retail settings. The HSE does, however, distribute condoms for free through sexual health clinics and third level education settings.

If you meet the criteria for this free contraception scheme, you can access it in the first instance through your GP or family planning clinic, women’s health clinic, student health clinic or health centre to arrange that first discussion, and identify the best contraception method for you. You will need to be a woman or have a uterus, be between the ages of 17-30, living in the Republic of Ireland, and be ready to provide your name, age, PPS number and date of birth.

For those not covered by the scheme, the cost of contraception will depend on whether or not you have a medical card.

If you have a medical card, you can get free contraceptive drugs, devices and free GP services including contraceptive advice. This also includes emergency contraception. You will, however, have to pay a small prescription charge for items you get from pharmacies under the medical card scheme.

If you do not have a medical card, and you are not eligible for the free contraception scheme, you will have to pay for contraception and associated services. You may be able to apply the Drugs Payment Scheme to the cost, to reduce it in the case of the expensive coils or implants. Tax relief on medical expenses may also be an option.

Full information about the scheme and how to access it, as well as any updates to eligibility criteria, are available at Home - sexualwellbeing.ie. Improved contraceptive services via this scheme are welcome, and are an important step towards improved women’s healthcare.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, researcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organisations nationally. See intuition.ie