Wellness Within Joins Nova Scotia Coalition Calling for Universal Coverage of Contraception
On September 26, to mark World Contraception Day, the Access Now Nova Scotia coalition invites the press to our campaign launch at the Weldon Law Building, Dalhousie University at 12:30-1:30pm. For more information see: https://accessnownovascotia.ca/.
On April 1, 2023, British Columbia implemented universal coverage for contraception, recognizing this is not only a human rights issue but fiscally responsible policy. Cost is a significant barrier to people accessing prescription birth control, and these costs fall disproportionately on women and persons of all genders at risk of unintended pregnancy. Although contraceptive options are covered through community pharmacare and some drug plans there are many people who fall through the cracks created by this system. People in low paying, part-time, and contract jobs often do not have employer-based health plans. As many as 20% of Nova Scotians have inadequate or no prescription drug coverage.
Our coalition, Access Now Nova Scotia, is a group of Nova Scotians who are committed to achieving universal contraception. We have come together to urge the government to take progressive and decisive action and enact a policy where no-cost prescription contraception is universally available to all Nova Scotians. This change is urgently needed to ensure gender equity within Healthcare with a focus on reproductive autonomy.
The direct cost related to unplanned pregnancy in Canada is $320 million. When considering the cost of abortion, prenatal care and delivery of unplanned pregnancies, not to mention the social costs associated with unintended births it is not surprising that research shows that public investment in contraception leads to overall cost saving. One analysis of a contraceptive access program in the UK estimated a saving to cost ratio of 11:1.
We feel strongly that the government of Nova Scotia is in a perfect position to enact a resolution enabling barrier free access to birth control at this time – considering the successful launch of a similar campaign in BC. The government is poised to be a leader not only in Eastern Canada, but in North America as well.
Wellness Within is a volunteer-based registered non-profit organization that serves women, transgender, and nonbinary people who have experienced criminalization and are pregnant or have young children in Nova Scotia, part of the unceded and unsurrendered ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people.
Wellness Within supports people through the full spectrum of reproductive health experience; facilitates workshops and education sessions; develops resource materials; and advocates for reproductive justice issues.
Contact: Natasha Hines, Clinical Director of Wellness Within 9027172956, wellnesswithinns@gmail.com and Dr. Martha Paynter, Director of Research, 9022927082 or martha.paynter@gmail.com.