We are thrilled to announce that the ASTRA Network and the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ECEC) have presented groundbreaking research at the FIAPAC (The International Federation of Abortion and Contraception Professionals) 2024 conference. This important research, led by Cristina Puig and supported by Ewa Szymera, focuses on the disparities in the cost of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Central and Eastern European countries.

Key Findings:

• Wide Cost Variability: ECP prices range significantly across Europe, from $7 in France to $25 in the United Kingdom.
• Economic Barriers: The cost of ECPs represents a substantial financial burden in many lower-income countries, with individuals in Armenia, Hungary, Georgia, and others spending more than 1% of their average monthly income on a single ECP. In comparison, the relative cost is significantly lower in wealthier countries like Luxembourg, where only 0.16% of the average monthly wage is required for ECPs.
• Policy Implications: These disparities underscore the need for policy reforms and advocacy efforts to reduce economic barriers to accessing emergency contraception, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. The study recommends campaigns similar to those previously conducted in the United Kingdom, which successfully lowered the cost of ECPs.

Impact and Next Steps:

The research highlights the urgent need for affordable access to reproductive health products, including ECPs. ASTRA and ECEC aim to leverage these findings to advocate for reduced costs and better access to emergency contraception throughout Europe.

Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial research and its impact on policy-making across the region.

For more information, download the poster here.