Women's health in Ireland

Women living in Ireland can get a range of free health supports.

People with a uterus can avail of the same supports.

A new scheme to provide free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women with symptoms of menopause was announced in Budget 2025.

The scheme is expected to start in 2025. Legislation has been passed but the scheme is not yet in operation. This page will be updated when more information is available.

You can get contraception with a prescription from most pharmacies in Ireland. You do not need a prescription for emergency contraception or condoms.

You are eligible for free contraception if you are a woman aged 17 to 35 or if you have a medical card.

This includes emergency contraception like the morning after pill.

BreastCheck is the free breast screening programme that aims to detect and treat breast cancer early. The screening involves a mammogram (x-ray) of your breasts to find breast cancer and to provide treatment to women who may show no symptoms of the disease.

If you had a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, you can get free post-mastectomy products.

CervicalCheck is the free cervical cancer screening programme to help prevent cervical cancer. The programme provides free, regular cervical screening tests to women and people with a cervix. Find out about the cervical screening programme and how to check if you are registered for screening.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy and need support, there are free confidential counselling and information services to help you consider your options and access services. Read more about reproductive health.

Fertility treatments and assisted human reproduction can help improve your chances of becoming pregnant. If you face challenges getting pregnant, you can apply for free HSE Assisted Human Reproduction services (including IVF) at a HSE-approved private fertility clinic of your choice. Free fertility treatment through the HSE is not means tested.

The public health service provides free maternity services for all expectant mothers for the period of the pregnancy and for 6 weeks after the birth.

Find out where to get advice, information and support for breastfeeding.

If you are experiencing depression after having a baby, you can get support for postnatal depression.

There is a range of services and supports in Ireland for people who have lost a baby through miscarriage and stillbirth.

If you think you may be experiencing domestic violence or abuse, find out what help is available and how to spot the signs of an abusive relationship.

If you are a victim of human trafficking, you should contact the Garda Síochána (Irish police force) on 999 or 112. You can also get help from the HSE Anti-Human Trafficking Team.

Read more about reproductive health, becoming a parent, maternity leave, parental leave, parent's leave and social welfare payments to families and children.