Luxembourg makes contraception free in April

While the new health policy will fund the morning-after pill and various progesterone treatments, it will not cover condoms

Starting on 1 April 2023, a host of contraceptives in Luxembourg will become completely free, including the morning-after pill. Indeed, according to an official statement, people will be able to get a 100% reimbursement for the morning-after pill, even if they do not have a prescription.

Moreover, the reimbursement is not tied to age, meaning that the policy will aim to provide universal contraceptive health coverage.

Universal and free contraception

According to the European Contraception Atlas for 2023, Luxembourg ranked fourth with 85.2% among countries based on the ease of access to contraceptive supplies. England (96.9%), France (93.2%) and Belgium (91.1%) were the top three countries on the list.

Before the revamped policy, the government funded most of the listed procedures and supplies to 80% and also had additional restrictions. Health Minister Paulette Lenert said this would definitely push Luxembourg ahead in the Atlas.

Additionally, the legislation would allow families to plan and choose the best form of contraception for them, while money will no longer be a factor.

Here is a list of 100% funded contraceptives:

• Oral estrogen-progestogens for contraceptive use (contraceptive pill);
• Transdermal estrogen-progestogens for contraceptive use (contraceptive patch);
• Vaginal estrogen-progestogens for contraceptive use (contraceptive ring);
• Oral progestins for contraceptive use (mini-pill);
• Injectable progestins for contraceptive use (contraceptive injection);
• Hormonal emergency contraception (morning-after pill);
• Progestins for contraceptive use in the form of a subcutaneous implant (the contraceptive implant);
• The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD);
• Tubal ligation for permanent contraception (sterilization);
• Intervention on the vas deferens for permanent male contraception (vasectomy).

Taking the morning-after pill is easier but condoms are not on the list

With the new regulations, taking the morning-after pill and getting a 100% reimbursement will be easier, as the whole procedure will not require a doctor’s prescription in a pharmacy open to the public. Furthermore, Minister for Social Security Claude Haagen was quoted in a press statement, explaining there will be no age limit to the reimbursement.

This could help to protect vulnerable young people, who would be otherwise financially barred from using the pill.

However, this legislation does not apply to the male condom, the most widespread and easy form of contraception, and tool for prevention against sexually transmitted diseases. According to Health Minister Lenert, this is because there are a number of organisations handing out free condoms, including the Red Cross, HIV prevention groups and LGBTQ+ organisations.