- It’s time to change the status quo on women’s health in Australia: More than 60 years after the introduction of oral contraception, almost 1 in 3 women still face an unplanned pregnancy.3 With one-third of these leading to termination,4 there’s an urgent need to prioritise making contraceptive options more affordable and accessible.
- Cost still a roadblock to contraception choice: 1 in 5 women deem cost and time to change as a major barrier for trying a new method of contraception, according to a national research survey.5 Equitable access to a range of solutions for different reproductive needs is paramount.
- New PBS listing a step forward in tackling inequities in women’s health: The listing of YAZ and YASMIN offers women access to more affordable oral contraceptive options, helping to close the gap in reproductive healthcare and expand true contraceptive choice.2
1 March 2025, SYDNEY – Australian women of reproductive age from today will have access to the first oral contraceptive treatment to be subsidised by the Federal Government in over three decades.1,2
From 1 March, YAZ and YASMIN (drospirenone and ethinylestradiol) will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).2
YAZ and YASMIN are combined oral contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. YAZ is also indicated to treat moderate acne and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women seeking oral contraception.2
Oral contraceptives work by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus to prevent pregnancy.6
The new treatment subsidy now means women will be able to access YAZ and YASMIN at $31.60 per 3 months or $126.40 (general patients) per year,7 a saving of around $190.00 each year. For those who have a concession card, YAZ and YASMIN will save them over $285.20 per year, costing $7.70 per 3 months or $30.80 per year. 8
Dr Talat Uppal, a Gynaecologist and Director of Women’s Health Road in Sydney joined Family Planning Alliance Australia and Bayer in welcoming the PBS listing of YAZ and YASMIN, providing more affordable options to help women manage their reproductive health.
“The PBS listing of YAZ and YASMIN is a milestone moment, ensuring more women can access contraceptive options that best suit their health, lifestyle and future plans – without cost being a deciding factor. Greater affordability means greater choice, empowering women to make more informed decisions about their reproductive needs. This marks a significant step towards greater equity in women’s health,” says Dr Uppal.
Despite great progress in reproductive health, significant gaps in access to, and education about contraception continue to affect Australian women.
More than 1 in 3 women (36%) surveyed have faced a pregnancy scare, while 2 in 5 (42%) have turned to emergency contraception.5 Among young women (18-24) who use contraception regularly, nearly a third (32%) experience ongoing anxiety about their current method.5
For the 1 in 4 women who will experience an unintended pregnancy, the impact extends far beyond their health – influencing social, economic and cultural outcomes for their families, workplaces, and the broader community. The national burden is substantial, with each unintended pregnancy in Australia costing an estimated $36,384, contributing to a $7.2 billion economic impact.9
Research commissioned by Bayer showed that education remains a critical gap, with 70% of women believing that not enough is being done to inform young girls and women about contraception.5 This lack of awareness persists into later reproductive years, as nearly 1 in 5 women aged 35 to 45 feel uninformed about the full range of contraceptive options available to them.5 Women in rural and regional areas face even greater disparities, reporting lower levels of awareness compared to those in metropolitan areas.5
According to Daile Kelleher, CEO of Family Planning Alliance Australia, the addition of YAZ and YASMIN to the PBS is a significant step forward, ensuring women have access to a wider range and choice of affordable contraceptive options.
“Everyone deserves the right to access effective and affordable contraceptive options – and to decide if and when they have children. It’s critical that we work to break down any barriers to real choice of contraception and provide people with the options that best suit their needs. We are so pleased to welcome the PBS listing YAZ and YASMIN and thank the Federal Government for supporting greater equity in women’s health.”
Manoj Saxena, CEO of Bayer ANZ and Country Division Head for the Pharmaceutical Division, said the PBS listing reflects Bayer’s ongoing commitment to women’s health.
“Bayer has been working to improve women’s health in Australia for more than 60 years, and with the PBS listing of YAZ and YASMIN, we are proud to demonstrate this commitment to advancing women’s health by providing solutions for her different reproductive needs.
We are honoured to work alongside healthcare professionals, advocacy groups like Family Planning Alliance Australia and the Federal Government, to help ensure equitable access to contraceptive options, empowering women to make choices that best suit their unique needs.”
All medicines have risks as well as benefits. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions especially if it increases your risk of blood clots, if you have or had blood clots, certain cancers or migraines. The most common side effects which may be associated with YAZ and YASMIN include headache, nausea, breast pain and mood changes, including depression.10. 11
For more information about contraception and which options are most suitable for you, please speak to your doctor.