New Democrats push for universal birth control, PrEP drug coverage

HALIFAX — The Official Opposition is demanding immediate action from the Houston government to sign the federal pharmacare deal and provide free birth control to every Nova Scotian who needs it.

During Health Committee meeting today, New Democrat MLAs highlighted the Houston government’s failure to sign an agreement with the federal government and give Nova Scotians barrier-free access to reproductive health care.

“Having barrier-free, no-cost contraception is a compassionate, evidence-based policy that can change lives across Nova Scotia and give more people the care they need,” said pharmacist Kari Ellen Graham, founder and co-chair of Access Now NS. “When people have access to the reproductive care they need, they gain more control over their health, their futures, and their ability to make the choices that are right for them.”

Governments in Manitoba, B.C., P.E.I., and the Yukon have already signed bilateral pharmacare agreements with the federal government.

“This is a health-care expense that the Houston government could help with, but they’re choosing not to. This is not just an oversight: this is a choice to limit the health care Nova Scotians need when the federal government has put money on the table to help,” said NSNDP MLA and committee member Lisa Lachance. “Other governments are stepping up; the Houston Conservatives should too.”

Health Committee met Tuesday afternoon to discuss both PrEP and universal free birth control. Both would help Nova Scotians better afford their medication and access the health care they need.

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