Ireland's score of 65% has not changed in the four editions of the Contraception Atlas. The country of 4.9 million inhabitants has one of the most engaging and youth-friendly information websites on modern and natural forms of family planning. At the same time, however, Ireland has one of the least generous social security systems in Europe. Nevertheless, contraception, including different types of long-active reversible contraception, is covered for “medical card” users. The contraceptive prevalence rate is 66% in Ireland (falling just to 63% in terms of modern contraception), and the unmet need for family planning is at 6%. In 2019, Minister for Health Simon Harris announced his policy objective to make contraception free in 2021.
Recommendations:
- Ireland is in a good position to move forward to the highest-scoring category since Minister for Health announcement on the free contraception project. Until it does, the social security system should ensure that all women of reproductive age enjoy reimbursements.
- Additionally, the Irish government must create schemes for reimbursement for specific population groups, such as adolescents and vulnerable groups. This would ensure the removal of financial barriers in accessing supplies.
- To strive to better online information provision, information on costs of contraceptives should be provided.
Breakdown by Criteria
Policies related to supplies and counselling
- Reimbursement
✔️Reimbursement within the national health system
❌Special reimbursement for adolescents (until 19)
✔️Special Reimbursement for vulnerable groups (unemployed/low income)
- Counselling
❌Available, accessible, and affordable consultation
✔️No need for third-party consent
✔️Legal status (marital, citizenship) is not a barrier
- Prescription requirements
✔️Availability of emergency contraception without prescription
❌Availability of self-administered hormonal contraception without prescription
Availability of online information
- Type of online information
Website provided by goverment supported standalone website
✔️Number of contraceptives - excellent
❌Info on costs of contraceptives
✔️Info on where to get contraceptives
- User friendliness
❌Regional or minority language included
✔️Web design
✔️Discoverability of the website
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