Wicklow Minister Announces Free Contraception Expansion.

The free contraception scheme has been expanded to include women aged 32 to 35.

The free contraception scheme has been expanded to include women aged 32 to 35.

The scheme, launched in September 2022, now covers all women aged 17 to 35 inclusive.Health Minister Stephen ­Donnelly announced that from today, women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and aged between their 17th birthday and the day before their 36th birthday will be eligible for free contraception under the scheme.

The service covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning, student health and primary care centres, and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE reimbursement list.The scheme also includes emergency contraception in addition to the oral contraceptive pill, patch and ring. Larc fittings, removals, injections and checks are also free of charge under the scheme.