OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 11, 2024 – The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is delighted to celebrate the passage of Bill C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare, which officially establishes universal, free access to contraceptives for all Canadian women in law. Once implemented, this significant legislation will ensure that women across Canada, regardless of their income or location, will have access to a full range of birth control options at no cost, eliminating significant financial barriers to women’s reproductive autonomy in Canada.
The SOGC has consistently advocated for universal contraceptive coverage, acknowledging that access to birth control is both a fundamental right and a crucial public health measure. Contraception allows women to make informed decisions about their lives, their families and their pregnancies. In simple terms: universal, free access to contraception removes obstacles to a woman’s ability to take charge of her own future.
The SOGC now urges provincial and territorial governments to promptly work with the federal government on agreements, as access is never soon enough for a woman who faces the difficult choice between paying for groceries or her prescription.
The SOGC is proud to have played a part in advocating for this transformative change in women’s health care and will continue to champion policies that advance the rights and well-being of women and girls.
“C-64 represents a historic achievement for women’s health care in Canada. Women across the country will be able to make decisions about contraception based on what’s best for their lives, not their finances. As health care professionals, we are frequently asked by our patients when access will become available, so I urge the provinces and territories to work diligently on agreements with the federal government to eliminate income as a barrier to access as quickly as possible.” – Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
SOURCE The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada