Canada will start giving out free contraceptives
British Columbia will be the first Canadian province where anyone can get free contraception.
Provincial officials say they are investing $119 million CAD in the project over the next three years to make sure that anyone in British Columbia who is under the Medical Services Plan can get any type of prescription contraceptive for free.
The program takes effect on April 1.
Changes will also affect the process of writing prescriptions for contraceptives. From this spring, a prescription for contraceptives can be written by a regular pharmacist. This way you will not have to wait for an appointment with a doctor to write a prescription, but can get both the prescription and the contraceptives right away at the pharmacy.
Experts argue that the innovation will not only improve the overall health of the population and make their lives better and easier, but will also help reduce stigma around birth control.
"It's a matter of equity," they say.
Proponents say there is much work to be done, especially in remote and rural parts of the country, and hope that British Columbia will serve as an example for all of North America.
"British Columbia is now a beacon of light for birth control justice," they declare.
