Achi news desk-
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Truro, NS, on Friday to announce that the federal government will cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications for Canadians.
This step is part of the first step of a national pharmaceutical care plan, which the government introduced in February. C-64, the Pharmacare Act, outlined the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada, intended to provide “universal, single-payer coverage for several contraceptives and diabetes medications.”
“We are focused on equity for all generations,” Trudeau said.
“Making sure everyone has access to the care they need and protecting the integrity of universal health care in Canada by standing up against those who want to privatize it.”
Birth control pills, IUDs, and the morning-after pill will all be covered, as well as diabetes medications such as insulin.
“As we are pro-choice we believe women should be free to choose if, when, and how they plan a family,” Trudeau said.
“Currently, only a small proportion of Canadian women are eligible for low- or no-cost prescription birth control through a public drug plan.”
The prime minister said contraceptive coverage means millions of Canadians will have better access to contraception and reproductive autonomy.
“This will help improve family planning, reproductive rights, and, fundamentally, fairness,” he said.
According to a news release from the federal government, the most significant barrier to accessing contraceptives is cost and those costs are “unevenly borne by women and gender diverse Canadians.”
The federal Liberals are spending $1.5 billion to launch the first phase of this program.
“Bringing down the costs of medications and dental care makes life more affordable for Canadians,” said Trudeau.
“These measures are based on the idea that everyone in this country should have access to the care they need, no matter where they live or how much money they have in their bank account.”
