Fri Sep 20 11:44:38 UTC 2024: ## Expanding Free Contraception to 16-Year-Olds: No Link to Increased Sexual Activity, Expert Says
**Dublin, Ireland** – A proposal to expand Ireland’s free contraception scheme to include 16-year-old girls has sparked debate, with some voicing concerns that it could encourage younger teenagers to engage in sexual activity. However, Dr András Költő, a sexual health expert at the University of Galway, has dismissed this claim as a “myth,” asserting that the change would only lead to safer sex practices among young people.
The expansion of the scheme, currently available to women aged 17 to 35, has been championed by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who believes it should be accessible to all women from age 16 onwards. The Irish Family Planning Association supports the move but has expressed concern over the exclusion of 16-year-olds. Donnelly has stated that this matter will be addressed during Budget 2025 negotiations.
However, some political figures, including Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, have raised concerns about the potential impact on the age of consent. Tóibín argues that the expansion could put pressure on younger teenagers to engage in sexual activity. Donnelly has stated that the age of consent is a separate issue and not under consideration in this debate.
Dr. Költő, who has expressed alarm over the declining use of contraceptives among 15 to 17-year-olds, believes that expanding the scheme will not lead to an increase in sexual activity. Instead, he emphasizes the need for better sex education, open conversations about sexual health, and shared responsibility for contraception between men and women. He also calls for better support for parents who may find it difficult to discuss sex-related issues with their children.
Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman supports the expansion, stating that measures to prevent unplanned pregnancies should be explored. He agrees that the free contraception scheme has been beneficial and believes examining its extension to 16-year-olds is worthwhile. O’Gorman further rejects the notion that such measures encourage sexual activity, labeling it a “classic right-wing trope.”
The debate over the expansion of Ireland’s free contraception scheme will likely continue, but the consensus among experts seems to be that it will not lead to an increase in teenage sexual activity. Instead, they emphasize the importance of education, open communication, and shared responsibility in promoting safe sexual practices among young people.
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