Manitoba is set to implement universal birth control coverage, making prescription contraception free for all residents starting October 1, 2024.
The move, announced by Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, will see Manitobans saving on costs associated with prescription birth control as the province introduces no-cost coverage for a wide range of contraceptive methods.
“Prescription birth control is a right, not a luxury,” said Asagwara in a statement on Thursday. “Money should never be a barrier to accessing reproductive health care. Starting Oct. 1, Manitobans will be able to get some of the most common and effective birth control without having to worry about the cost.”
The initiative, which was outlined in the province’s 2024 budget, will be managed through the Manitoba Pharmacare Program. Approximately 60 types of birth control, including oral pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormone injections, will be covered under the program.
The program is designed to alleviate financial burdens for individuals who require prescription contraception, with potential lifetime savings of up to $10,000 for those who would otherwise pay out-of-pocket.
Dr. Jacqueline Gougeon, a family physician, highlighted the broader implications of this policy, noting that it will enhance gender equity and empower women in Manitoba to make reproductive choices without the constraint of financial barriers. “Today’s announcement will ensure that all Manitobans in need will have access to reliable contraception and secures their ability to make a reproductive life plan,” she said. “This decision represents renewed choice and opportunity for so many of my patients.”
Starting in October, Manitobans can obtain free birth control by presenting a prescription from a healthcare provider along with their Manitoba Health Card at any pharmacy. This applies to those who are not already covered by another federal or provincial program.
