Program to provide free contraceptives starts April 1

The B.C. government has used International Women’s Day to announce more details about its new program to provide free contraceptives.

The province will implement a universal coverage plan starting April 1, 2023, making contraceptives free for residents of B.C.

BC PharmaCare will cover the full cost of more than 60 commonly used birth-control methods, including oral contraceptives, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal injections and the morning-after pill.

For example, under the new plan, an oral contraceptive pill costing $25 a month will be free, saving a person $300 a year.

“Everyone should be able to make their own choices about their reproductive health without being limited or burdened by cost. I’m proud that B.C. will be the first province in Canada to offer free prescription contraception,” Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, said.

The government says the program will cost $119 million over three years, with the first year of implementation expected to cost PharmaCare $39.4 million, $46.1 million for the second year, and $33.4 million for the third year.

Program participants will have to first get a prescription for a contraceptive from a doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife and then present it at a pharmacy with a BC Services Card. Pharmacists will also be able to prescribe contraceptives this spring.

PharmaCare does not currently cover cervical caps, condoms (often available free at sexual health clinics), diaphragms, patches, rings, or sponges.

Premier David Eby said free birth control enables women to prioritize their health without letting costs compromise their choices.

“This week we’ve also introduced pay transparency to help close the gender pay gap, and legislation to crack down on predators who share intimate images without consent. Equity for women is a top priority for our government,” Eby said.

Studies have shown that approximately 40 per cent of pregnancies in B.C. are unintended.

To learn more about the program and what is covered, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/contraceptives