Canada is moving toward national pharmacare, but progress remains uneven. Despite the National Pharmacare Act receiving royal assent in October 2024, only four regions — British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon — have implemented free access to contraception. This leaves millions of women across the country without equal access to essential reproductive health care.

Recent research published in the British Medical Journal and JAMA Pediatrics confirms that cost plays a major role in contraception use. In British Columbia, where free contraception was introduced in April 2023, more women began using contraceptives, especially the most effective methods like IUDs and implants. A similar increase was observed in Ontario when universal coverage was briefly extended to those under 25.

Experts emphasize that universal access to contraception is not only a matter of health but of equity and justice. When contraception is affordable and accessible, women are able to plan pregnancies according to their health, education, and career goals. This leads to better family well-being, reduces poverty, and strengthens gender equality across society.

Despite critics arguing that many Canadians already have insurance, most private and public drug plans cover only a portion of contraceptive costs. The most effective methods can cost up to $450 upfront — an amount that puts them out of reach for many, especially youth and low-income women. Some also avoid using shared insurance to maintain privacy from family members or partners.

Evidence from British Columbia and Ontario demonstrates that removing cost barriers significantly increases the use of effective contraception. Simply put, pharmacare works. A nationwide implementation would reduce unplanned pregnancies, improve women’s health, and lower long-term healthcare costs.

All Canadians deserve the freedom to choose safe and effective contraception — regardless of where they live or how much they earn. The time to act is now.

Source: The Conversation – “The Evidence Is Clear: National Pharmacare for Contraception Can’t Wait”