SPHERE Snapshots will give you a short but comprehensive look into the big issues shaping sexual and reproductive health policy in Australia. 

Adequate MBS rebates to support LARC insertions in general practice

Insufficient Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) rebates for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) provision means general practices are delivering LARC at a loss, and leads to high out-of-pocket costs for women. In this SPHERE snapshot, we look at what are the challenges and potential solutions to this widespread issue. 

Nurse-led model of care for the provision of EMA and LARC in regional and remote areas

Women living in regional or remote areas are 1.4 times more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy than women living in non-rural areas. In this SPHERE snapshot, we look at what are the challenges and potential solutions that will allow nurses in regional and remote areas provide LARC and abortion care. 

Contraceptive counselling by community pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications, and provide guidance on how to safely use them.

In Australia several states have introduced pharmacist resupply of contraceptive pills without prescription. While resupply can facilitate continuity of use it does not address the issue of whether women are aware of and knowledgeable about all available contraceptive options or whether they can access the contraception of their choice.