Extending free contraceptive scheme

Boys and young men should be included

Sir, – Orla O’Connor calls for the expansion of the free contraceptive scheme – currently for women aged 17-25 – to women aged 26 and up (“Action needed as inflation hits women hardest”, Opinion & Analysis, August 1st).

She writes: “Enabling universal access to free and accessible contraception is fundamental to achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, protecting against adverse health conditions and preventing unplanned pregnancies.”

Confining her request for free contraception to women, however, she seems to suggest that men have no role in helping to support society in achieving the aims for women that she outlines.

Making contraceptives also freely available to boys and young men might assist them in taking responsibility for their actions and sharing the burden mostly borne by women. – Yours, etc,

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TOMÁS FINN,

Ballinasloe, Co Galway.