Health Minister in ongoing discussions about expanding free contraception to 16-year-old girls [Video]

LAST UPDATE | 20 hrs ago

THE MINISTER FOR Health is in ongoing discussions to further expand the free contraception scheme.

As first reported by The Journal in August, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is seeking to include 16-year-old girls in the scheme for the first time as part of this year’s Budget. 

Currently the scheme includes women and girls aged 17-35.

The government had previously pledged to expand the scheme to 16 year olds as part of Budget 2023 but this has not yet happened.

The minister said this week that there had already been high take-up of the free contraception scheme for those aged 17-25 but that extending the scheme to 16-year-olds is “more complex”.

According to the minister, healthcare providers had raised “legitimate concerns” during ongoing discussions about expanding the scheme.

“There are some very legitimate concerns that have been raised with me. Some around legal complexities, some around the age of consent being …