Alberta government needs to get behind free birth control

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health care equality — providing care to all citizens regardless of their circumstances. Several Canadian provinces have since addressed health care disparities, particularly in reproductive health. Alberta, however, stands as an outlier, casting uncertainty over the future of health care access and autonomy for its residents.

In August 2024, Manitoba announced it would join British Columbia (B.C.) in offering residents various prescription birth control products at no cost. For Manitobans, this marks a significant step towards recognizing reproductive health care inequality and the importance of reproductive justice.

While the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) proposed such an initiative last November, the United Conservative Party (UCP) rejected it in the legislature. This was despite 74 per cent of Albertans supporting free prescription birth control. The UCP’s failure to address cost and accessibility barriers surrounding birth control not only represents a failure of its responsibilities, but also jeopardizes the health and autonomy of its residents.

Alberta’s largest budget item is health care and related services. Financially, the provincial government would benefit from implementing free birth control programs. Dr. Rupinder Toor, founder of Project EmpowHer, emphasized that “studies have shown every dollar we invest in prescription universal contraception can [equate] up to nine dollars in savings to the public system.” These economic benefits would allow the province to redistribute funding to meaningfully improve health care for all Albertans.

Before implementing universal birth control, B.C. found that universal contraception could save the province $27 million annually. Beyond provincial savings, Albertans using contraception would experience reduced health care costs, enhancing their economic participation. Currently, some Albertans pay about $10,000 for contraception over their lifetime. Moreover, it addresses health inequities by ensuring that socioeconomic status does not determine access to essential health care. As Dr. Toor aptly stated, “birth control should not be a luxury item, and it should not depend on your postal code.”

The consequences of Alberta’s decision extend beyond financial drawbacks to broader societal implications. This includes perpetuating health care disparities experienced by women, undermining their autonomy, and reinforcing health care inequity. It’s important to note that birth control products are used for more than preventing pregnancy. It can also treat other medical conditions, including perimenopause symptoms, endometriosis, and dysmenorrhea. This underscores the broad reach of such initiatives. Provincial politics or affordability shouldn’t compromise the quality of care. However, the Alberta government’s stance perpetuates these circumstances, which are associated with increased maternal mortality, among other issues.

The Alberta government’s failure to provide free birth control contrasts sharply with its commitment of $20 million towards women’s health research and the reimagining of health care services for women. The UCP’s rejection of free birth control appears increasingly out of touch with public sentiment and health priorities.

Worse yet, the Alberta government plans to opt out of the federal pharmacare plan, which is expected to provide free access to birth control. This stance further limits options for Albertans and sets the province apart from its more progressive counterparts. Free access to birth control is not just a matter of reproductive rights but a crucial public health issue. It can significantly reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal and child health outcomes. Importantly, it also empowers Albertans to make informed choices about their reproductive futures.

This issue directly impacts University of Alberta students and young adults across the province. Affordable access to contraception is crucial for this demographic. It allows them to focus on their education and career development without the added stress of potential unplanned pregnancies or absences due to menstrual comorbidities.

Free birth control would benefit Albertans and the health system as a whole. If the UCP want to prove their commitment to improving health care, then a great first step is implementing universal birth control.