Health Minister Should Focus On Other Medical Issues Rather Than Contraception - Aontú

Photo credit: X @Toibin1

Minister Stephen Donnelly wants to include 16 year olds in the free contraception eligibility.

Aontú want to see the Health Minster focus on hospital overcrowding and wait times, rather than contraception issues. 

Minister Stephen Donnelly has made the call for 16 years olds to be made eligible to receive free contraception, which is already available to women aged 17 to 35. 

However, there are legal complexities as the legal age of consent is 17. 

Meath West TD and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín says he wants to see the Minister instead put funding towards children on scoliosis waiting lists or waiting to be seen by CAMHS.

Deputy Tóibín also says this is sending a dangerously confusing message to children:

Minister Donnelly says it makes sense, as the age of medical independence is 16:

These people in Laois have been giving us their thoughts on the suggestion:

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