No-cost appointments for long-acting reversible contraception

Family Planning Australia hosted the Hon Rebecca White MP and Member for Reid Sally Sitou at the national launch of no cost LARC appointments.

Appointments for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are now available at no cost through Family Planning Australia, helping to reduce the financial barriers women may face when considering intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants.

Family Planning Australia is one of eight centres nationally being funded by the Federal Government to 2029 to offer women better access to safe, affordable, long-acting reversible contraception.

In NSW, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has commissioned Family Planning Australia to deliver the LARC Centre of Excellence program, supporting improved access to LARC services, particularly for people experiencing barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare.

Appointments are available through Family Planning Australia's clinics in Newington, Fairfield, Penrith, Dubbo and Newcastle, with outreach services extending access to people in rural and regional communities.

“Cost can be a deciding factor for many people when it comes to choosing a contraceptive. The LARC Centre of Excellence means that at Family Planning Australia women, girls and gender diverse people only need to pay for the LARC device they choose, not for the appointment for the device to be inserted. In private clinics, clients can face appointment fees of more than $300 for these contraceptives,” Family Planning Australia Medical Lead Dr Lucy Cho said.

The cost of a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) or contraceptive implant through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) varies, but is usually $25 for Medicare cardholders, $7.70 for concession card holders or cost-free for those registered on the Close the Gap program. Copper IUDs offer a non-hormonal option but are not on the PBS and cost around $130.

“As well as now being a more affordable option, LARCs are also safe, an ideal set and forget method and more than 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. These contraceptives can be particularly helpful for women with busy lives” Dr Cho said. “Importantly, we know that fertility returns to your usual level rapidly once the contraceptive is removed,”

Appointments for LARC insertion are available at no cost at Family Planning Australia’s clinics and outreach services. Book your LARC appointment at Family Planning Australia today by calling 1300 372 372. Free, confidential information and advice on LARCs is provided by Family Planning Australia’s Talkline nurses through an online chat at fpnsw.org.au.

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