Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, Manitobans will benefit from no-cost coverage of prescription birth control, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers to reproductive health care, ensuring that all Manitobans have access to effective birth control methods without worrying about the cost.
“Prescription birth control is a right, not a luxury,” said Asagwara. “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. This will save people hundreds of dollars and it will ensure you are fully in control of your body and your choices.”
The Manitoba government’s Budget 2024 includes a plan to make prescription birth control free for all residents. The Manitoba Pharmacare Program will cover the full cost of approximately 60 commonly used birth control methods, including the pill, intrauterine devices, hormone injections, and more. Manitobans can obtain a prescription from their doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinics, or hospitals.
Dr. Jacqueline Gougeon, a family physician, praised the announcement, stating, “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. It further empowers women to make decisions around their education and careers that are based solely on their own hopes and dreams and not around unintended pregnancies. This decision represents renewed choice and opportunity for so many of my patients, and removes a tremendous barrier to adequate health care and gender equity.”
The program is expected to save Manitobans hundreds of dollars annually on birth control costs. For example, someone who currently pays $25 a month for oral hormonal pills could save up to $10,000 over their lifetime with the new free plan.
Eligible Manitobans who do not already have coverage from another federal or provincial program can present their prescription and Manitoba Health Card at a pharmacy to receive their birth control product at no cost.
This initiative marks a significant step towards improving reproductive health care access and promoting gender equity in Manitoba.
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