British Columbia First In Canada To Provide Free Birth Control
British Columbia has made Canadian history, becoming the first province to provide free contraception for all.
As of April, all people covered by health insurance will be able to get contraceptives free of charge with a prescription.
Contraception methods will include most hormonal pills, implants, injections, and intrauterine devices, such as the IUD, as well as the morning-after pill.
This was announced by B.C’s finance minister Katrine Conroy, who said: “When it comes to essentials, having full control over your reproductive rights is at the top of the list. All too often, these fundamental rights are under attack.”
British Columbia’s government estimated that the new measure could save people up to $10,000 over their lifetime.
Currently, Malta has no similar measures that fight existing barriers to accessing contraception.
In fact, Malta’s access to contraception is below the European average, ranking 31st in a study covering 46 countries, according to a recent EU study has revealed.
Contraception in Malta has faced a sea of criticism in recent years, and with a sexual health policy that is bone-dry and more than a decade old, it comes as little surprise.
Is it time for Malta to step up in sexual health?
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