To have reproductive self-determination, people need access to effective contraception that works for them. It is a basic health need.

Cost has been identified as a barrier to accessing contraception, particularly for people with a low-income. Women, girls and gender diverse people are on lower incomes than men, yet they typically need to pay the full costs of contraceptives. This is gender inequity. Gender inequity is made worse for populations experiencing other types of discrimination, such as Māori, Pacific and disabled people. 

In our recent submission on the Women's Health Strategy, we called for making contraceptive visits in primary care universally free for any contraceptive type.  

It's also important on World Contraception Day to recognise that there’s no one-size-fits-all contraceptive. People have different personal experiences, health needs and preferences when it comes to contraception and need the option to try a range of methods before finding one that works best for them, without cost being a barrier. 

References:

Messenger B., Beliveau A., Clark M., Fyfe C., & Green A., (2021b). How has contraceptive provision at Family Planning clinics in Aotearoa New Zealand changed between 2009, 2014 and 2019: a cross-sectional analysis. N Z Med J. Jul 30;134(1539):21-32. PMID: 34320612. 

Ministry of Health (2023) Women’s Health Strategy 

Ministry of Health. 2023b. Health and Independence Report 2023: The Director-General of Health’s annual report on the state of public health. Wellington: Ministry of Health