After the news broke of British Columbia’s plan for free prescription contraception, the New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Rachel Notley, made a public announcement stating that if the NDP were to be elected in May, they would move to create a free contraceptive program modeled after British Columbia’s. These contraceptive devices include copper and hormonal IUDs, oral contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, and hormone implants and injections.
As of 2023, the patient must be prescribed contraceptives by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife. The Pharmacare drug program offers residents of British Columbia a new way of purchasing expensive prescription drugs and supplies for medical needs. The coverage is only available for British Columbia residents who are enrolled in the Medical Services plan. Currently, Pharmacare only operates in British Colombia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Once the prescription has been written for a contraceptive device covered under Pharmacare’s detailed list, it can be filled at any pharmacy in the province for little to no cost. Some costs may apply for the dispensing and assessment of the prescription filling process.
Notley stated on May 8 that, “universal access to free contraception in Alberta will ensure that women are more in control of their lives and more in control of their own economic future.”
She estimates that $500 a year per individual could be saved by implementing the new program, but this isn’t the only reason Notley is advocating for women’s reproductive health care. The NDP leader wants a dependable health care system for women, non-binary, and trans individuals across Alberta for a low cost to the patient.
Notley made these statements on International Women’s Day, March 8, and looking back on the recent attack on women’s reproductive rights in countries like Somalia, Pakistan, and the United States, this advocacy comes at a time when women in Canada are looking for a politician who will protect their rights. Just like her Oscars’ commercial looking to connect with the younger voter generation, this could be seen as an attempt to win over female voters.
Absolutely glorious decision by the NDP compared to the UCP’s recommendation of abstinence!
The best abortion is the one you don’t need to have because you had access to free birth control so, didn’t get pregnant in the first place! Sometimes contraception fails & women need an abortion. If they do I believe they have every right to obtain one.
In the city of Edmonton & the province of Alberta the female population eclipses the male population. So it’s quite true, the future is female. As excellent a solution that it is
-free contraception, it’s incredible that the focus of contraception is placed on the woman who is only fertile maybe 3 days a month whereas men are fertile 24/7, everyday of the year so really it’s irresponsible ejaculation that is the cause of unwanted pregnancies. I’m sick and tired of hearing baby men whine
“I don’t want to use a condom, it doesn’t feel the same.”
Dudes you need to stop thinking with your dink!