Starting from 1 May, a range of new medications pertaining to contraception, endometriosis, and IVF treatment will be subsidized through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), potentially saving thousands of dollars annually for many women. This move by the federal government, announced recently, is seen as a significant step towards improving women’s health, an area that campaigners argue has been neglected for too long. According to Health Minister Mark Butler, these listings will significantly enhance the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women and are part of the government’s strategy to strengthen Medicare, reduce medicine costs, and address the healthcare needs of women, including issues such as reproductive health decisions, perimenopause, and menopause, which have been overlooked for decades.
The Deputy Liberal leader and The Nationals have expressed their support for the initiative. Among the subsidized medications is a new progesterone-only contraceptive pill which marks the first time a new pill has been listed on the PBS in 30 years, estimated to benefit over 100,000 women with savings of over $250 per year. Additionally, a new endometriosis treatment will also be available through the PBS, benefiting women who experience moderate to severe pain and have not found adequate relief from other treatments. The government has estimated that about 8,500 Australian women will benefit from the endometriosis treatment listing each year, saving them more than $2,700 annually. The announcement also includes changes in the availability of IVF drugs, with earlier access to certain combination therapies through the PBS for women with specific hormonal needs.
Health practitioners and women’s health advocates have welcomed these changes, with calls for further review and commitment to gender equity in healthcare funding and policies. These developments reflect a commitment to addressing the long-standing gender disparities in healthcare and ensuring more equitable access to essential medical treatments for women across Australia.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/16/pbs-listing-contraceptives-fertility-ivf-endometriosis-drugs-pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme
