Free contraception for Irish women under 35
Ireland is making contraception free without prescription for women under 35 in an effort to reduce financial barriers preventing its access, under its ‘free contraception for youth’ programme. The policy was adopted for girls and women aged 15-25 in September 2022, and extended to 31 last year.
The policy is part of a wider trend around Europe to improve women’s health. The pill was made free for all women under 30 in Luxembourg in March 2023, and in the UK in certain participating pharmacies this March.
Despite a history of conservative values due to its Catholic history, Ireland is now a leader in terms of contraceptive rights. The country has made the most progress in this field in Europe in recent years, jumping from the 16th to 6th spot between 2022 and 2023 in the Global Contraception Policy Atlas.
Despite major progress, Ireland still fails women in some areas. An investigation led by the national broadcaster revealed that abortion still lacks proper regulation six years into its legalisation, with several seemingly non-directional counselling services providing misleading information to women.