Manitoba to become second province providing universal access to prescribed birth control

Manitoba will soon be joining British Columbia, as just the second province to provide universal access to prescribed birth control.  A move that women’s health advocates here in Winnipeg are calling a major step in the right direction.

“We are committed to making birth control free, and that is an affordability step, it is also a step towards ensuring reproductive justice and access for people across the province,” said Premier Wab Kinew.

Dr. Omolayo Fafuyide is the medical director and founder of the Layo Centre, a clinic that focuses on reproductive health and contraception. She says with the cost of birth control ranging between $12 to $35 a month depending on the brand, removing that financial barrier will allow more people to take control of their health.

“When we hear announcements like we did yesterday, I think it has the potential to be a big win for patients,” said Dr. Fafuyide.

“Women should have a say if this is what they want and removing that barrier of cost is paramount, we can no longer assume that every patient will have a private plan.”

Dr. Fafuyide adds she has had many clients who have wanted to choose a less effective method of contraception based on cost alone.

“The consequences of choosing say a non-hormone method which is cheaper is that you are worsening their pain, you’re taking them away from the workforce, their family, and their ability to be productive members of society,” said Dr. Fafuyide.

Lorie English with West Central Women’s Resource Centre, says the commitment by the province to make birth control more accessible will take the pressure of social service agencies, while also filling the gaps in rural Manitoba.

“This step, that we are seeing the NDP Government do right now, makes that ability to be in charge of one’s reproductive health, it puts it back in the hands of individuals,” said Lorie English, Executive Director of West Central Women’s Resource Centre.

“Folks who live outside the city for example where there aren’t a lot of social service agencies, where they might be able to be connected to free birth control. To know that can now be sought from any medical clinic, family doctor, it really increases everyone’s access so it’s a win-win.”