Today’s Victorian Government announcement removes a barrier to accessing safe contraception, representing another step forward for women in Victoria.
Women’s Health Victoria Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler welcomed the announcement by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan that participating Chemist Care Now pharmacies in Victoria will be able to dispense the oral contraceptive pill (“the pill”) without a doctor’s prescription.
“WHV’s 2024 Realising Access: Abortion and Contraception inequities and enablers in Victoria research report showed that more than a quarter of women who regularly use contraception choose the pill,” Ms Hasler said.
“We welcome government initiatives that make it easier for women to safely access their preferred contraception, including directly from their local chemist which gives them more options.
“For some people, the cost of getting the pill this way will be higher than if the script came from a doctor, because with a doctor’s script the pill is subsidised by the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“Today’s announcement confirms that pharmacists will need to complete additional training and undertake thorough consultations which we think is very important.
“We look forward to seeing the impact this initiative has on women’s access to contraception, and working with the Victorian Government and pharmacists to ensure that all women understand and can access all of their contraceptive options,” she said.
Women’s Health Victoria runs the free and confidential 1800 My Options service which provides sexual and reproductive health information and support to over 8500 people a year.
For more information about sexual and reproductive health options in Victoria, please visit www.1800myoptions.org.au
