Nova Scotia Provincial Parties Respond to the Call For Universal Contraception
Access Now Nova Scotia, a coalition of individuals and organizations pursuing universal contraception coverage, has been advocating for barrier free access for over a year. Our current patchwork system of contraception coverage is not comprehensive and not sustainable; current pharmacare deductibles are cost prohibitive.
On Oct 10, 2024, the federal government announced that Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, received Royal Assent. Considering the provincial election here in Nova Scotia, we asked each party for their response to the call for universal contraception. Here is what they had to say:
Nova Scotia NDP Campaign:
“The NSNDP tabled legislation in November 2021 that, if passed, would have ensured anyone without coverage would be able to get birth control for free under the provincial MSI plan. This legislation would have meaningfully impacted the lives of people who can get pregnant. Nova Scotia has the highest rate of poverty and the highest rate of food insecurity in the country. Making birth control free would eliminate the choice between paying for prescriptions or paying for groceries that too many in the province are faced with. Unfortunately, though, this legislation was not supported by the other parties.
We know that change is possible. British Columbia became the first province to provide access to free prescription contraception. Now the federal government is pushing all provinces to follow suit. An NDP government will be an eager partner in the implementation of free contraception in Nova Scotia. We will ensure that Nova Scotians are able to get the medication they need with their health card, not their credit card.”
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Campaign
“If the federal government offers funding for Nova Scotians in a fair manner, we will gladly accept it. We would instruct the Department of Health and Wellness to explore how this funding can address gaps in deductibles and copayments that sometimes make accessing reproductive healthcare unaffordable.
Meanwhile, our government has made significant strides in reducing barriers to contraception through initiatives like the Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic program. This program empowers pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception, including implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), in collaboration with primary care providers, ensuring patients have access to a well-rounded support system for their contraceptive needs.
We are committed to expanding these services by partnering with more pharmacies across the province, making it easier for Nova Scotians to access reliable and informed reproductive healthcare wherever they live. A re-elected PC government will continue to expand these services and will prioritize developing innovative healthcare solutions for all Nova Scotians.”
Nova Scotia Liberal Campaign:
"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will absolutely commit to working with the Federal government to implement the Pharmacare Act, expanding access to universal contraception for Nova Scotians. We recognize the importance of accessible reproductive healthcare, especially in the midst of the current affordability, healthcare, and housing crises."
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Katie Rennie (she/they), Project Assistant THANS, Co-Chair of Access Now NS, projectassistant@thans.ca, 902-429-7287
Natasha Hines (she/her), Chair of Wellness Within, natasha_hines@outlook.com, 902-717-2956