Deputy Steven Matthews, Green Party TD for Wicklow, has said that a new scheme introducing free contraception for women aged 17-25 will empower the reproductive choices of women and ensure that cost is not a barrier to accessing contraception.
This scheme delivers on a key commitment of the Green Party in the Programme for Government to provide free contraception on a phased basis, and follows a motion brought forward by Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly in 2020 calling for the introduction of a free contraception scheme.
It is estimated that from September 14th women aged 17-25 could see savings of up to €470 on the cost of prescription contraception, including contraceptive implants, injections and other long-term contraceptive methods. Speaking following the launch of the scheme, Deputy Matthews said:
“The Green Party believes that cost should never be a barrier to accessing contraception. That is why we have introduced a new scheme to make a range of contraceptive options free for women aged 17-25. This will enable young women to make informed decisions about the form of contraception that works best for them, in consultation with their GPs and medical professionals.
“Free access to contraception for women aged 17-25 is a positive development for reproductive rights in Ireland following the repeal of the eighth amendment in 2018, and is a stepping stone towards introducing universal, free access to contraception. I welcome the Minister for Health’s commitment to expanding the scheme in future years when funding becomes available.
“This is the work of a Government that is determined to improve access to reproductive healthcare. If anyone has questions about the free contraception scheme, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any support I can”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
Comments