'Significant gaps' in free contraception scheme

The National Women's Council has called for an age range of 17 to 55 and more specialised services.

The “game-changer” free contraceptive scheme still has "significant gaps" and the National Women's Council (NWC) has now called for it to be expanded to 55-year-old women and for GPs to be given better access. 

The council also highlighted gaps in access for women with disabilities and from minority groups in a report published on Wednesday. 

This scheme is open to women aged 17-35 although commitments have been made for this to expand.

One woman who moved to Ireland three years ago said: “I still don’t have a GP and just to have, or use the scheme for the first time, you need to go through the GP.”

Alice, a woman with disabilities, said: “I couldn’t read the leaflets.” 

Patricia, a mother of two from the Traveller community said: “The nurse said to me, oh my God you’re not like the rest of them, at least you have got yourself on contraception."

Principal investigator Dr Leigh-Ann Sweeney, Trinity College Dublin, warned “significant gaps” remain.

“Lack of eligibility is the main barrier,” she said. 

“Women over 35 are ineligible for the scheme as are asylum seekers and undocumented women. 

"In addition, there are many barriers that concern access to the healthcare system in general.” 

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In an NWC survey of 498 participants on access to the scheme, more than 10% live in Munster, and 17% face financial challenges. 

Some 56% use contraception, with the pill being the most common (39%).

Participants who identified as trans or who had a trans history were more likely to find it “difficult to access”. 

The NWC called for an age range of 17 to 55 and more specialised services.

Executive director Corrinne Hasson described the scheme as "a game-changer" but said: "Too many women still face barriers in accessing this essential service.

“NWC is calling for all eligibility requirements to be removed so that everyone who needs contraception can access it.”