Free Contraception Scheme Not Expanding to Over-35s in 2024 Budget

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed that the Free Contraception Scheme will not expand to include women over 35 in this year’s budget. The scheme, introduced in 2022 for 17–25-year-olds and expanded to women up to 35 in 2024, covers prescription contraception costs, including consultations, fitting, and removal.

MacNeill stated that budget priorities for 2024 focus on frontline nursing staff in hospitals over eligibility expansion. While acknowledging significant resources invested in the scheme, she emphasized the need to balance spending. Women can now access prescriptions through pharmacies, improving access.

However, the National Women’s Council (NWC) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) research indicates one in three women still face barriers, with age limitation being the most cited. The NWC advocates for universal access, noting women over 35 remain fertile, use contraception for perimenopause/menopause symptoms, and often use costly long-acting methods like the coil. The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) also highlights increasing numbers of women over 35 attending pregnancy counseling.