The Belgian Federal government approved a royal decree that expanded the reimbursement of contraceptives and the morning after pill, Health minister Maggie De Block announced on Friday.

The measure is part of the healthcare budget approved by the government.

The maximum age for a “young contraceptive” intervention, that’s in addition to an obligatory one, has been increased from 20 to 24. The age limit of 21 for the morning after pill has been removed.

This expansion means the State will completely reimburse any contraceptive up until 25 and the morning after pill will be free for all women, whatever their age.

The measure will cost 6.9 million euros a year, and will come into effect on 1 April.

Sarah Johansson

The Brussels Times