The Australian government is set to make significant changes to women’s health care by adding popular medications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Starting May 1, 2025, three major medications will be subsidized, providing financial relief to thousands of women facing high costs for contraceptive, endometriosis, and IVF treatments.
The introduction of the contraceptive pill Slinda marks the third such pill to be added to the PBS this year, alongside Yasmin and Yaz, as part of the Albanese government’s broader health initiatives. Health Minister Mark Butler announced on March 16, 2025, the cost for Slinda will be reduced to just $7.70 for concession card holders and $31.60 for general patients for four months’ supply, down from $80 for three months prior. This change is expected to benefit over 100,000 women annually.
“Access to a wide range of contraceptive options is a fundamental reproductive right,” stated sexual health physician Dr. Terri Foran. “This funding move to include Slinda on the PBS will be welcomed by a large number of Australian women and their health providers.” The introduction of Slinda, which contains the progestogen hormone drospirenone, is particularly important for older women and those with increased risks for blood clots and migraines.
Alongside Slinda, the endometriosis treatment Ryeqo will also be listed on the PBS starting May 1. Over 8,500 women currently suffering from this debilitating condition will gain access to the medication, which combines relugolix with estradiol and norethisterone. Previously, treatments for endometriosis were prohibitively expensive, often costing up to $2,700 annually without subsidies. With the new PBS listing, women can expect to pay significantly less, potentially saving them thousands of dollars each year.
“These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes,” said Butler. “Women have asked the government to take their health care seriously, and we have listened.” This announcement is not only timely but also reflects the government's commitment to rectify decades of neglect toward women’s health issues. Butler noted previously under the coalition government, no new contraceptive or endometriosis treatments were added to the PBS.
Enhancing access to IVF treatments, the government will allow women needing reproductive support to obtain Pergoveris—a combination therapy—earlier than previously permitted. This will be accessible from April 1, 2025, for women with low levels of reproductive hormones. The number of Pergoveris pens available per script will also increase from two to four, significantly reducing financial burdens for those undergoing IVF. Previously, four pens would have set women back over $3,500 without PBS assistance.
Not only do these initiatives provide financial relief, but they also serve to bridge the gap faced by women. “For too long, women have struggled to access treatments due to financial barriers,” explained Assistant Minister Kearney. “We want to change this reality.” Many women, particularly those involved with IVF treatments, face complex, often expensive health needs. The introduction of these subsidized medications is seen as a proactive step to alleviate these challenges.
The recent announcements have been met with praise from health professionals and advocates alike. Sylvia Freedman of EndoActive stressed, "Any measure to lower costs for women is important, and it reflects the commitment to addressing health inequalities.”
Criticism, nonetheless, has emerged from the opposite side of the political aisle. Shadow Minister for Health Anne Ruston emphasized the need for timely policy actions. “It is absolutely imperative Australian women have affordable access to the medications and treatments they need, especially right now as they face record-high healthcare costs,” she stated. Ruston noted previous delays and expressed the Coalition’s commitment to prioritizing women’s health as necessary and urgent.
The Albanese government’s recent health spending initiative, which totals more than $573 million aimed at reproductive health, signifies increasing recognition of women’s specific health needs—traditionally overshadowed within the healthcare system. Minister Butler articulated this goal clearly: “These investments reflect our determination to continue improving options for women facing significant lifetime health costs.”
For many households, these changes could mean having less financial strain associated with reproductive health. This reflects not only on the wallets of Australian families but also on their overall quality of life. The distribution of these medications to those who need them is a promising step for public health and societal equality.
The upcoming changes to PBS medications signal progressive steps toward gender equity within healthcare, aligning with both current economic pressures and longstanding demands for comprehensive access to health resources for women across Australia. With these adjustments, the Albanese government hopes to pave the way for similar initiatives, prioritizing women’s health care needs starting from their reproductive years well through menopause and beyond.
While hurdles remain, the addition of Slinda, Ryeqo, and Pergoveris to the PBS demonstrates the government’s commitment to adapting its healthcare policies to fit the needs of women. This step is pivotal not just for the large groups of women it impacts directly today, but for future generations who will benefit from continued attention to women's health issues.