From October 1, approximately 3,500 women in Vorarlberg will receive free contraceptives of their choice for a whole year. Consultations are also provided free of charge. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) announced in Feldkirch on Monday that there are already 450 registrations for the project “INVVO – Information Sterilization in Vorarlberg”. The Ministry of Health is investing almost one million euros in this until 2026.

The first Austrian contraceptive report was published in June this year. It shows that the pill is frequently used by 42 percent of sexually active women. The condom follows as the most common contraceptive method (40 percent), with the IUD coming in third with 17 percent.

For more than 95 percent of those surveyed, reliability was the deciding factor when choosing a contraceptive method.

Price influences the choice of contraceptives

In addition to reliability, the cost of contraceptives also plays a role. Depending on the method chosen, it costs between 30 and 230 euros per year. The report found that more than 36 percent of respondents would switch to contraceptives if they didn’t have to cover the costs themselves.

Aline Halhuber-Ahlmann, executive director of the Salzburg Women’s Health Center, found the fact that many women would change their contraceptive method “particularly interesting and necessary” (we reported). With this knowledge, adequate benefits can be provided, especially to women.

Free contraceptives in Salzburg soon?

“Our goal is to make contraception and contraception counseling available free of charge to women and girls throughout Austria in the long term,” says Rauch. The pilot project in Vorarlberg enables the collection of important data and experiences. In the first trial run, every 20th woman between the ages of 14 and 45 could be given contraceptives.

For short-term contraceptives, such as the pill, condom or trimester injection, costs are covered for one year. Costs for long-term methods such as IUDs or hormonal implants are fully covered.

The Vorarlberg pilot program targets girls aged 14 and over, as young people are considered sexually mature. According to project manager Lea Putz-Erath, particular attention is paid to including vulnerable sub-target groups such as women at risk of poverty, women with disabilities or women with a very poor knowledge of German.

It is not yet clear when free contraceptives will be available in Salzburg. But is that even necessary? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

(Source: SALZBURG24)