# Contraception
This year
2023
Mice trial raises hopes for 'on demand' male contraceptive pill
The new drug candidate rendered male mice infertile within an hour and wore off in less than a day.
Last year
2022
Free contraception scheme to include women aged 26 from 1 January 2023
The scheme will be further expanded to include 27 to 30-year-olds from 1 September 2023
Over 700 GPs still waiting for free contraception contracts to be finalised
The scheme was opened to women aged 17 to 25 last month.
Healthcare: Public IVF services and expansion of free contraception to women aged 16 to 30
This could see savings of up to €470 on the cost of prescription contraception.
Free contraception scheme for women aged 17 to 25 begins today
The National Women’s Council has welcomed the move but said it’s ‘crucial’ that the age bracket is widened.
Cabinet green lights free contraception plan for young women
Legislation enabling a free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25 is to be published in the coming days.
Almost half of pregnancies worldwide ‘unintended’, report finds
The report by the United Nations Population Fund was hosted by the Irish Family Planning Association.
All time
Poll: Should free contraception be extended to all ages over 25?
It was announced this week that the contraceptive pill will be free of charge for women in the 17-25 age cohort.
Opinion: For too long, contraception has been a woman’s private and personal responsibility
Director of the National Women’s Council, Orla O’Connor says while this week’s announcement is welcome, we must move fast to provide universal contraception.
Donnelly says free contraception for 17-25 year olds 'is just the start'
The health minister said the roll out of such a measure would’ve been ‘unthinkable to do in the past’.
'Over 25s have sex': Criticism of decision to limit free contraception scheme to young women
The roll out of free contraception to women aged between 17 and 25 was announced today.
Free contraception to be made available for young women
Two GP appointments per year relating to contraception will also be free.
Roll out of free contraception expected to be given green light for Budget 2022
The roll out of free contraception is key promise in the programme for government.
Boris Johnson faces calls to sack adviser who made controversial remarks about contraception and race
Andrew Sabisky once suggested enforcing the uptake of contraception to stop unplanned pregnancies “creating a permanent underclass”.
Q&A: Here's where Ireland's parties stand on women's healthcare ahead of the election
Where do the parties stand on issues like maternity and infant services, contraception and IVF?
US chastity speaker cancels trip to Ireland 'due to illness' after number of talks were axed
A number of talks by Jason Evert had already been cancelled amid criticism of his stance on homosexuality and other issues.
Scientists develop monthly contraceptive pill, but it's only been tested on pigs so far
The pill sits in the stomach and dissolves slowly, releasing the hormones required to prevent pregnancy.
No money in next year's budget for free contraception, committee heard
A recent report recommends that free contraception rollout should target young women first.
Free contraception recommended for young women only, due to cost
Making contraception free for everyone could be “an ineffective use of scarce resources”, a report has found.
Minister sets up period poverty committee: 'Menstruation is not a choice'
The health minister said women are facing significant costs paying for sanitary products.
Poll: Should VAT be removed on condoms and menstrual cups?
The idea is backed by Minister for Health Simon Harris.
Harris wants VAT removed on condoms and menstrual cups
Currently,13.5% VAT applies to condoms, but the minister wants this brought down to 0%.
Harris announces public consultation on increasing access to contraception
A working group on the matter was established by government earlier this year.
'I'd rather see her using contraceptives than be throwing flowers on her grave'
May McGee’s fight to overturn Ireland’s ban on contraception is the subject of a documentary on RTÉ One this evening.
Calls for free folic acid to be given to Irish women as minister considers it ahead of Budget
Taking folic acid every day helps prevent your unborn baby from developing serious and possibly fatal conditions.
There’s been a major breakthrough in the male contraceptive pill and thank Christ for that
The future is here.
Harris announces group to examine how to make contraception cheaper
The group will examine the extent to which cost is a barrier to accessing reliable methods of contraception in Ireland.
Working group to investigate how to roll out free contraception for Irish women
People with outside expertise will sit on the new group, with a chairperson to be appointed shortly.
Researchers in Scotland need men to trial a male contraceptive gel
Previous trials have shown some success
Quitting contraception: why women are throwing out the pill
And why we should investigate our options first.
Harris lobbied by pharmacists' group and pharma company on free contraception
The Oireachtas Committee on the Eighth Amendment recommended free contraception for all women.
You don't have to take a 7 day break on the contraceptive pill to appease the Pope anymore
Research shows the break provides no health benefit.
Trump's order to block some women's access to free contraception blocked by judge
It was estimated that over 70,000 women would be affecting by the repeal of the Obama-era provision.
Opinion: I was always adamant I'd never have the snip ... but I did
It was incomprehensible to me that I would ever intentionally harm such a vital part of my body. I’d sooner lose a leg, writes Eric Nolan.
New self-lubricating condoms can reduce infection risk and withstand '1,000 thrusts'
This condom was more likely to retain its “slipperiness”, researchers found.
Giving women free access to the pill will require a change in the law
As part of this year’s budget talks, the minister plans to increase the availability of free condoms.
Poll: Should the contraceptive pill be available for free without prescription?
Fianna Fáil has added to calls to make the pill more freely available.
Minister on bishop's comments: 'Contraception is fact of life now for women'
Mary Mitchell O’Conner said she agreed with the health minister that religion should not determine health and social policy in Ireland.
