Government unveils major commitments for women’s health in 2025

The Irish government insists it is committed to advancing women's healthcare in 2025.

Ministers have promised to build on the progress made since the launch of the Women’s Health Action Plan, which was announced in April of last year.

A major focus for 2025 will be expanding healthcare services that address gender-specific needs, including:

• Eight additional Postnatal Hubs, increasing the total to 13, to support new mothers
• Four new ‘See-and-Treat’ Gynaecology Clinics, bringing the national network to 21, reducing wait times for gynaecological care
• Two new eating disorder teams, ensuring more access to gender-informed mental health support
• Specialist perinatal mental health services, including the establishment of Ireland’s first mother and baby inpatient unit.

The government also says that recognising cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death for women, 2025 will see an increased focus on heart and bone health, particularly for women in midlife and beyond. 

This includes:

• Prevention and early intervention programs for cardiovascular disease.
• Expanded screening and support for osteoporosis and bone health.  

The government will continue to support initiatives that address everyday concerns for women, including:

• Period dignity programmes, ensuring free access to menstrual products in public spaces.  
• Enhanced breastfeeding support, funded through Healthy Ireland, aimed at improving Ireland’s breastfeeding rates.  

Efforts will be made to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups, including:  

• Targeted health projects for Traveller women, women in prison, and female migrants.
• The continued rollout of the Free Contraception Scheme, available to women aged 17 to 35.  
• Expanded endometriosis and menopause services, ensuring more women receive timely and effective care.

A significant milestone in 2025 will be the launch of Ireland’s first public Assisted Human Reproduction Treatment Centre, which is set to open in late 2025 and be fully operational by 2026.  

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said that while significant progress has been made, inequalities in healthcare remain. 

"The development and expansion of women’s services is a critical part of our efforts to improve overall population health. We are already making good strides in supporting menstrual health through initiatives such as free contraception, setting up specialist endometriosis teams and opening more ambulatory gynaecology clinics.

"We are also removing financial barriers, including through period dignity programmes that provide period products free of charge in many public buildings, through many Local Authorities and Family Resource Centres, and through our community partners.

"I'm delighted that Healthy Ireland funding this year will reinforce the ongoing efforts to boost Ireland's breastfeeding rates, which will lead to long-term health benefits for women and their children."

"Mental health services for men and women should be equal, but they cannot be the same," added Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD, highlighting the need for gender-specific mental health approaches.  

As Women’s Health Week 2025 unfolds, these commitments mark a significant step toward a future where gender inequalities in healthcare are eliminated.