European Contraception Policy Atlas - Sweden

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Sweden prioritises young people’s access to modern contraception and scores well in the Contraception Atlas, coming in 6th place (81.5%). Young women in Sweden have access to a range of reimbursed contraceptives, including long-acting reversible contraception. Similarly, family planning counselling is free for young people up to 25. However, for women over 26, contraceptive supplies are not reimbursed, while counselling is covered under similar conditions as other medical consultations. Policies securing strict confidentiality in counselling services for adolescents, as well as a famous sexual education policy contribute to Sweden having an adolescent birth rate of just 5 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19, the sixth lowest adolescent birth rate in Europe.

Recommendations:

1. While reimbursement covers all contraceptives for women under 25, Sweden should aim at ensuring that reimbursement includes all women of reproductive age to reduce social inequalities in access to contraception. It should also focus on ensuring that vulnerable groups are covered. Such reimbursement schemes should include long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
2. To ensure easier access, Sweden should make self-administered contraceptives available without prescription.
3. Although the Swedish government hosts an excellent and informative website on contraception access, it would be advisable to provide more information on where to get contraceptives.

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 government-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