Women across Australia will soon have more choice and better access to long-acting reversible contraception, with leading centres set to provide the gold standard in women’s contraceptive care across the country.
The Albanese Government has invested $25 million to establish eight LARC Centres of Excellence to make it easier for women to access long-acting contraception including IUDS and contraceptive implants.
As part of the program, women can receive free advice from skilled providers about their contraceptive options, as well as the insertion and removal of IUDS and birth control implants.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives are among the most effective forms of contraception available, with effectiveness rates of more than 99 per cent. In addition to preventing unintended pregnancy, some can also help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, period pain and conditions such as endometriosis.
Outreach services will support women in regional, rural and remote communities by bringing contraceptive services and training opportunities closer to where people live and work.
The centres will be operated by the providers from 31 October:
- Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
- Family Planning Welfare Association of NT
- Family Planning Australia, NSW
- True Relationships and Reproductive Health, Qld
- Family Planning Tasmania
- SHINE SA
- Sexual Health Quarters, WA
- Sexual Health Victoria.
The LARC Centres of Excellence are part of the Albanese Government’s landmark nearly $800 million Women’s Health Package that is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for women.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“We want every Australian woman to know their health is a priority of the Albanese Government and we want women to be able to choose the contraception that works best for them, not simply the option that is easiest to access or the one they can afford.
“Long-acting contraceptives are safe, highly effective and can be life changing for some women, but we know they haven’t always been easy to access.
“With all eight centres now a step closer to opening their doors, more women will be able to access the information, support and care they need to make the choice that is right for them.
“A really important part of these centres is training more doctors, nurses and health professionals, so women can have these conversations and access the care they need closer to home.”
