Birth control pill 'Slinda' to be subsidised by Federal Government from May

The Federal Government has announced it'll subsidise another oral contraceptive pill, with users expected to save around $50 each time they fill a prescription at the pharmacy.

Popular birth control choice 'Slinda' will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from May 1. It'll becomes the third contraceptive pill to be added to the PBS in 2025, following 'Yasmin' and 'Yaz' which were added earlier this month.

The drug is a progestogen-only-pill - unlike other contraceptives, which can contain contain both oestrogen and progestogen - and may be used by women who can't take contraceptives with estrogens.

According to the Federal Government over 100,000 Aussies are expected to benefit from the subsidisation, as some users pay north of $250-per-year for the contraceptive.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the move is proof the Labor Government is taking women's health seriously.

“Women have asked government to take their health care seriously, and we have listened. These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes," Minister Butler said.