Dr. Caitriona Henchion:

There are two key issues when it comes to barriers to contraception although there are many lesser ones too. When I am at work in my clinic I provide contraception for a good part of my day, which is fine. I can only see the people who make it in to see me. That means the women must know that a contraceptive service is available, be able to afford contraception services and know where to access them. First, one needs good quality education and awareness programmes so that women are aware of contraceptive methods and where to access them.

Second, one must remove the financial barrier. Without question there is a financial barrier. A person with a medical card can access services for free. However, a person on the cusp of not having a medical card who is not well off cannot access services. I have seen what happens when women seek long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, such as the Mirena coil or whatever. They are really interested and want it because they want to be very safe. Quite often, when I outline the cost to them they defer their decision. Unfortunately, some of those women end up using much less safe methods. They may have already said that they were on the pill before but could never remember to take it yet I must send them out with a prescription for the pill knowing that it is not going to be the best method for them because they cannot afford to get what they want.