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Increase in IUD usage observed following British Columbia's free birth control program

Increased adoption of long-lasting birth control methods observed among women following British Columbia's cost coverage, signifying a compelling argument for Ottawa's pharmacare plan to follow suit.

Increase in IUD usage observed following BC's implementation of free birth control policy
Increase in IUD usage observed following BC's implementation of free birth control policy

Increase in IUD usage observed following British Columbia's free birth control program

Canada's Partial Implementation of National Contraception Coverage

As of mid-2025, Canada's national pharmacare program is in a partial and uneven implementation phase for contraceptive coverage. The federal Pharmacare Act, passed in October 2024, included coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medications in its first phase, with the goal of establishing a universal, single-payer pharmacare system.

However, only four jurisdictions—British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon—have signed bilateral agreements with the federal government to implement coverage for contraceptives so far. This leaves many Canadians without access to affordable contraception, despite the potential benefits.

British Columbia’s full coverage of contraception since April 2023 has led to a significant increase in prescriptions, especially for highly effective long-acting methods like IUDs. Other provinces have more limited or no coverage, resulting in inequitable nationwide access. For instance, Newfoundland and Labrador has not yet joined the federal program despite potential funding support of over $84 million and ongoing advocacy.

The current federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has not committed to expanding the pharmacare deals beyond the initial four jurisdictions, creating uncertainty and fragmentation in coverage across Canada.

Why this is important:

Affordable and universal access to contraception reduces barriers to effective birth control, improving reproductive health outcomes and reducing unintended pregnancies. High upfront costs, such as those for IUDs (approximately $450), deter many women from choosing more effective contraceptive methods, though these methods are more cost-effective over time.

National pharmacare coverage ensures equity so that all Canadians, regardless of province or income, have access to necessary contraceptives. This supports public health and economic benefits by lowering costs associated with unintended pregnancies and complications.

A study conducted by UBC researchers in 2018 estimated that the provincial government breaks even within two years of funding birth control. Continued funding for birth control is crucial for women's gender equity in Canada, as reproductive rights are being rolled back in other parts of the world.

In summary, while coverage for contraception is federally legislated as a priority within Canada’s pharmacare framework, implementation remains limited and uneven across provinces. Expansion and full national adoption are necessary to achieve equitable and effective contraception access nationwide.

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