Budget 2023: Extension of free contraception and publicly funded IVF significant and welcome measure

Published: Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The National Women’s Council welcomes dedicated women’s health budget as part of Budget 2023

In response to today’s health Budget announcement, the National Women’s Council (NWC) strongly welcomed the extension of the free contraception scheme to 16 -30 year old women as a crucial commitment by Government towards full reproductive choice for all women, irrespective of income. NWC also welcomed the introduction of publicly funded IVF and a renewed, dedicated women’s health budget as part of our public spending. 

Free contraception and IVF 

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council said, 

“We strongly welcome the extension of free contraception scheme, which has been a key Budget ask for NWC. This is a significant step forward to enabling women have control over their reproductive lives. Universal free contraception is a public health intervention with transformative potential and key to gender equality and women’s health. It’s important that the positive steps taken this year are continued and extended to all who need contraception over the coming Budgets.” She continued, “NWC also welcomes the plans for publicly funded IVF. Currently infertility services are not publicly available and are not accessible to women on lower income due to the very high costs. The introduction of publicly funded IVF would be an important step towards ensuring equitable access to fertility treatment.”

Extension of GP care and dedicated women’s health budget 

Orla O’Connor, Director, NWC said, “NWC welcomes the continued, dedicated funding for women’s health in Budget 2023 which will be instrumental in tackling the many health inequalities that women face. This must be continued over the coming years. We welcome the extension of GP care to a broader cohort. Women are particularly reliant on the public healthcare system and face significant barriers to timely care in a privatised health system. The extension of the GP cards will improve access to GP care for women and must be built on over the coming years with a view to fully implement Sláintecare.” 

Please note: NWC has issued a separate press release on Budget measures and its impact on women (including comments on childcare and social welfare) which will be available on our website. 

NWC will prepare a more detailed analysis of the impact of Budget 2023 on women over the next few days. 

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, NWC, Tel. 085 858 9104.