Over 3 in 4 women in Australia between the ages of 16-49 use some form of contraception.[1]
In our continued effort to help people feel empowered with information, we recently undertook a survey[2] to understand the current climate of contraception in Australia.
What we uncovered was a gender disparity between what men and women pay for contraception, how easily they can access it, and the emotional toll that follows as a result of these two factors.
What we uncovered was a gender disparity between what men and women pay for contraception, how easily they can access it, and the emotional toll that follows as a result of these two factors.
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2
%
of Australian women take on the cost of contraception alone regardless of their relationship status.
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7
%
of Australian men think that it’s fair that women spend more on contraception costs than men.
The
Climate
of
Contraception
Access
Women are more likely to experience access issues when tending to their contraceptive needs than men.
The top challenges in accessing contraception for women:
Cost
With women already paying ‘the pink tax’, which refers to the gender disparity in pricing for consumer goods, we asked Australians whether they thought there was a cost disparity for contraception between men and women. Here’s what we found:
71%
of Australian females believe
that spend for contraception between
genders is not equal
that spend for contraception between
genders is not equal
44%
of Australian males believe that spend for contraception between genders is equal
When asked whether they thought this was fair or not, here’s what we uncovered:
What's the solution?
62%
of Australians think that more male contraception options will help
54%
think that a partner should share the cost of contraception
62%
think that the Australian Government could subsidise contraception methods and medications through Medicare
Applying to have a new medicine listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is a long and expensive process. There is little incentive for pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives to make a submission - an oral
contraceptive pill hasn't been
added in over 25 years.[3]
If the Australian government made this process easier, it would help to have a massive impact on the accessibility for many people and serve as a step forward in resolving the healthcare gender disparity.
contraceptive pill hasn't been
added in over 25 years.[3]
If the Australian government made this process easier, it would help to have a massive impact on the accessibility for many people and serve as a step forward in resolving the healthcare gender disparity.
Dr. Kirsty Wallace-Hor
General Practitioner
BA LLB MBBS DCH FRACGP
How to talk to your partner about splitting birth control costs
If you're not quite sure how to approach this matter, this article is for you.
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How can Kin help?
Did you know that only 5% of Australian women use a contraceptive subscription service? Yet it can save you time, money and stress.
With Kin’s contraception membership, you can enjoy a cost-saving experience that’s easy, convenient and stigma-free, giving you back time and energy to focus on the better things in life.
With Kin’s contraception membership, you can enjoy a cost-saving experience that’s easy, convenient and stigma-free, giving you back time and energy to focus on the better things in life.
You’re saving money as you don’t have to book any follow-up GP appointments. In fact, you’ll receive unlimited Practitioner consults whenever you need
You’re saving time on the commute to and from the GP or pharmacy
You’re preventing unwanted stress with automatic refills direct to your door
If you live remotely, you don’t need to worry about lack of access as we deliver Australia-wide straight to you
You’re avoiding judgement from family and friends as our pills arrive in a cute, subtle sleeve and box
References
- https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/more-contraceptive-choice-for-australian-women#:~:text=Most%20Australian%20women%20%2D%2081%20per,year%20to%20access%20this%20medicine.
- In conjunction with Kin Fertility, Pureprofile, a renowned global data and insights organisation listed on the ASX, undertook a comprehensive online market research survey targeting Australian adults. Spanning from 25-31 January 2024 the study involved over 1,000 participants and aimed to observe the current state of contraception use in Australia.
- https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ReproductiveHealthcare/Report/Chapter_2_-_Enhancing_access_to_contraceptives
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