Greens announce election push to make birth control free

The Greens have revealed their latest election pitch to make all TGA-approved forms of birth control free for women, including modern versions of the contraceptive pill which have fewer side effects but cost three times the price of subsidised options. Greens spokesperson for women Larissa Waters said cost barriers to modern pills and the copper IUD forced some women to “cut corners and use cheaper options, or go without contraception,” especially in a cost-of-living crisis. “There are 4.8 million women in Australia using contraceptives, and making them free would save women hundreds of dollars a year and empower women to make decisions about bodily autonomy despite a difficult financial climate,” she said. “Our policy would make sure people can access the contraception that works for them, regardless of their bank balance and whether they live in the city, the country, or are studying on a visa.” While some contraceptive pills and hormonal IUDs are subsidised under the PBS, and therefore cost less to purchase, newer versions of the pill and the copper IUD are not. Compared to the cost of a progesterone IUD which is about $43 for Medicare card holders, a copper IUD is priced between $70 to $120, according to Better Health Victoria. The minor party is also calling for a new Medicare item for contraceptive counselling, as well amending the Medicare Benefits Schedule to make the insertion and removal of IUDs free. Senator Waters said this would help women access the “best contraceptive method for their needs”. “Almost two years ago, I initiated the federal senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare,” she said. “It included a recommendation that contraceptives should be more affordable and accessible. “The Greens are committed to that – and now it’s time for the government to respond to the 36 consensus recommendations from that report and fund free contraceptives for women.”