The topic of publicly funded contraception has resurfaced in Czech political discourse after ODS MP Eva Decroix raised the issue on social media.

She argued that health insurance coverage for contraception could prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the number of abortions.

Decroix suggested that coverage could initially focus on young women and students, highlighting the financial barrier contraception presents.

“Do you know that most abortions are performed by women who already have one or more children? Do you know that 84 percent of people support women’s right to decide about their own pregnancy? I believe contraception should be covered, at least in the first step for young girls and students, by public health insurance,” she wrote on Facebook.

Currently, Czech women generally pay for contraception themselves unless prescribed for medical reasons. A three-month supply typically starts at around 400 CZK. Amnesty International Czech Republic has long advocated for contraception to be included under public health insurance.

Health Minister Open to Targeted Support

Health Minister Adam Vojtěch of the ANO party emphasized that public health insurance is primarily intended to cover medical care and treatment, rather than universal contraception. However, he expressed willingness to consider targeted support.

“Where contraception is indicated for health reasons, coverage is already available. In the future, I am open to a professional and political debate about targeted support for specific groups,” Vojtěch told CNN Prima NEWS.

Diverging Views Within ODS

Not all ODS members support Decroix’s proposal. Štěpán Slovák, shadow minister of health, said that universal coverage of contraception is not feasible under the current public health insurance system. He suggested that optional coverage could be possible through a variable component of insurance premiums, allowing individuals to choose whether to include contraception.

“If there were a liberalization of the system with a voluntary component, paid contraception could be offered as an optional benefit. But it would have to be strictly voluntary, not automatic,” Slovák said.

Proposal for Paid Therapy for Crime Victims

Decroix is also developing a proposal for paid therapeutic support for victims of crime. Speaking to journalists, she stressed the need to assist victims facing post-trauma challenges, such as job loss or social exclusion.

“A victim may receive compensation, but the psychological consequences can prevent them from resuming normal life. The person responsible caused this, so shouldn’t we consider additional costs to address it?” she said. The proposal is still under development, with details being discussed regarding eligibility, integration with health insurance, and scope of coverage.

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