No, it's not April Fools'.
On April 1, British Columbia will be making prescription contraception free for all residents as per the province’s 2023 budget.
But will other provinces follow suit?
The following contraceptives will be free for residents of British Columbia starting April 1, 2023:
- Oral hormone pills (“the pill”)
- Subdermal (under-the-skin) injections and implants
- Copper and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Plan B (the “morning after” pill)
Free prescription contraception will also be available to men, including trans men.
Following British Columbia’s lead, Opposition political party Québec solidaire (QS) has called upon the government to make prescription contraception free for consumers by extending provincial health insurance coverage.
According to a press release, Manon Massé—the spokesperson for Québec solidaire—said:
"British Columbia’s leadership should inspire the Legault government to take strong action. Within the context of a rapidly rising cost of living, we must eliminate financial barriers to access contraception. With the Régie de l'Assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covering all forms of contraception, we reduce unwanted pregnancies and support women's right to make their own choices regarding health.”
Is birth control covered by RAMQ in Quebec?
No, not all contraceptive methods are covered in whole or in part by the RAMQ.
How do I get birth control in Quebec?
Contraception can be obtained in Quebec by consulting a nurse to obtain hormonal birth control (the pill, patches, contraceptive vaginal ring or contraceptive injection) or in an institution that has issued a collective prescription for hormonal birth control (a school, the health office of a college or university, a CSSS or a CLSC).
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