Media

Press Releases and Statements

Advocates disappointed to see universal birth control coverage missing in 2021 B.C. budget

Saanich News, April 27, 2021

No-cost birth control is off the table for B.C. in 2021 and Saanich-based advocacy group, AccessBC, is disappointed as organizers say it would have had significant positive impacts amid the pandemic.

When universal contraception coverage was left out of the 2020 budget, Devon Black, co-founder of AccessBC, called the exclusion a missed opportunity but said the team was hopeful about the province funding no-cost prescription birth control in 2021.

Consumer round-up: B.C.'s budget hikes tobacco tax, provides free transit for kids

CTV News, April 20, 2021

For the past two years, advocates have been hoping B.C. budgets would include free prescription birth control for the province, but so far, it has not materialized.

Last year, health minister Adrian Dix said it was under review for the next budget. And recommendations from the 2021 Budget Committee included one to “Provide free prescription contraception for all people in British Columbia.”

Free contraception in BC would help everyone, not just cis women

Loose Lips Magazine,
March 22, 2021

The BC NDP was elected on a platform that promised to make all prescription contraception free, affirmed by Minister of Health for BC Adrian Dix’s mandate letter. That still hasn’t happened, limiting access to care for anyone who can become pregnant across the province. That can include trans men, non-binary people, gender-fluid people, and intersex people, not only cisgender women.

Free contraception is still out of reach for Canadians

The Pidgeon, March 18, 2021

“Almost everyone in British Columbia has either used contraception or has benefited from their partners using contraception, so the idea of this being a special interest issue is just wildly divorced from reality,” Black said.

“The other thread of opposition that we’ve heard […]is ultimately grounded in a desire to control women’s bodies.”

Provincial group pushes for free contraception

CKPG Today, Mar. 11, 2021

A BC-based group that formed over four years ago is on a campaign to remove barriers to accessing prescription contraception.

AccessBC believes prescription contraception is a right, not a luxury. The group wants to see universal no-cost prescription contraception for the residents of BC.

Are all women in Canada really free to choose?

UBC Women's Health Research Cluster, Feb. 27, 2021

There are numerous benefits to accessible contraception, which are evident in studies in North America and around the world. In Canada, the cost of contraception is almost entirely the responsibility of the user, with few exceptions. This is in contrast to several countries which similarly have universal health care, but have chosen to subsidize prescription contraception, either in full or in part.

AccessBC advocates for no-cost prescription contraception

The Peak, Feb. 15, 2021

AccessBC is pushing for various types of contraception (such as the contraceptive patch, implant, and oral pill) to be available to all BC residents at no cost. “Access to contraception in BC is recognized as a basic human right, but unfortunately many people in BC can’t access this right,” they stated.

The Peak interviewed Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, chair and co-founder of AccessBC, Dr. Ruth Habte, resident physician at UBC gynecology, and SFU alumni and UBC medical student, Samuel Kirk, to find out more about the group’s campaign.

B.C. NDPs free birth control pledge a win for equality, will pay for itself: advocates

Victoria News, Oct. 14, 2020

The campaign promise, announced by NDP Leader John Horgan last week, is expected to cost $60 million each year.

Devon Black and Teale Phelps Bondaroff, co-founders of AccessBC, said that they’ve been advocating for free birth control in B.C. for four years. “We were really excited,” Phelps Bondaroff said. The group, although non-partisan, helped pass the policy at an NDP convention in 2017, the first step to getting it to an election platform.

B.C. NDP promises free prescription contraception if elected

Globe and Mail,
Oct. 11, 2020

“This is such an important step,” said Chen. “It has been such a barrier for people to be able to have their basic reproductive health and rights.”

The party said the program to provide, for example, oral contraceptive pills or intrauterine devices, will cost the government $60 million a year.

Chen said the move to make prescription contraception free is a continuation of the effort the government made to have free menstrual products in the bathrooms of all public schools.

2021-04-27 – Saanich News: "Advocates disappointed to see universal birth control coverage missing in 2021 B.C. budget."
2021-04-21 – My Cowichahn Valley Now: "Critics say Provincial Budget Has Some Needed Investments But Lacks Vision."
2021-04-20 – CBC News: "B.C. budget gets as much discussion for what was left out as what was put in."
2021-04-20 – CTV News: "Consumer round-up: B.C.'s budget hikes tobacco tax, provides free transit for kids."
2021-04-20 – The Tyee: "BC’s Health Spending Breakdown: What’s in the Budget, and What’s Missing."
2021-04-20 – The Tyee: "BC’s Pandemic Budget Increases Spending and Forecasts Big Deficits."
2021-03-22 – Loose Lips Magazine: "Free contraception in BC would help everyone, not just cis women."
2021-03-18 – The Pidgeon: "Free contraception is still out of reach for Canadians."
2021-03-17 – Parksville Qualicum Beach News: "City of Parksville to pen letter supporting no-cost access to specific gender-based contraceptives."
2021-03-11 – CKPG Today: "Provincial group pushes for free contraception."
2021-03-08 – Prince George Daily News: "AccessBC calls on government to provide free contraceptives."
2021-03-08 – Vancouver is Awesome: "#IWD2021: On International Women’s Day, advocacy group is challenging B.C. to provide free contraception."
2021-03-08 – The Columbia Valley Pioneer: "Free contraception."
2021-03-05 – Clearwater Times: "Council supports Vernon’s push for free contraception."
2021-02-27 – UBC Women's Health Research Cluster: "Are all women in Canada really free to choose?"
2021-02-24 – Coast Reporter: "Sechelt council wants contraception to be free."
2021-02-20 – Info News.ca: "Vernon urging province to consider no-cost contraceptives in B.C."
2021-02-20 – Vernon Morning Star: "Pushing the Pill: Vernon’s push for free contraception backed by other municipalities."
2021-02-20 – BC Local News: "Letter received by Parksville council seeks to provide no-cost access to prescription contraception under MSP."
2021-02-19 – North Thompson Star/Journal: "The need for free prescription contraception in B.C."
2021-02-15 – The Peak: "AccessBC advocates for no-cost prescription contraception."
2021-02-12 – The Martlet: "Birth Control is empowering, here’s what you need to know about your contraception options."
2021-02-10 – My Prince George Now: "UNBC could become first Canadian University to offer free menstrual products in bathrooms."
2021-02-10 – Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal: "Letter to the Editor - A reader writes about the need for free prescription contraception in B.C."
2021-02-07 – Victoria News: "It’s time for B.C. to offer free prescription contraception."
2021-02-05 – Powell River Peak: "Free birth control supported by Powell River council."
2021-02-05 – Penticton Herald: "Free prescription contraception needed."
2021-02-01 – Prince George Daily News: "Valemount to offer free condoms and menstrual products at facilities; endorses free prescription contraception."
2021-01-18 – TVO: "Why this group wants no-cost contraception for all Ontarians."

2020

2020-12-20 – Mission Spooky Podcast: "Episode 44: Holiday Special: Ghosts of Christmas Past."
2020-12-10 – West Coast Leaf: "COVID-19 BC Gender Equity Report Card."
2020-11-29 – Humanist Canada: "Webinar Series 2020: Strategies in Reproductive Health Activism."
2020-10-22 – The Discourse: "What will Nanaimo candidates do to make prescriptions more affordable?"
2020-10-18 – Fraser Valley News: "Op/Ed – Ann Davis January Letter Sent to Premier, Local MLA’s On Free Contraceptives."
2020-10-16 – Press Progress: "BC Liberal Candidate Resigns As Andrew Wilkinson’s Right-Wing Coalition Self-Destructs Over Birth Control."
2020-10-15 – Sing Tao: "卑詩自由黨候選人特龍尼斯因優生和避孕言論廣受批評."
2020-10-15 – CTV News: "Candidate resigns from BC Liberals after eugenics comments."
2020-10-15 – The Free Press: "Sparwood to revisit vote on contraception support."
2020-10-15 – Global News: "BC Liberal candidate Laurie Throness resigns following ‘eugenics’ comments."
2020-10-15 – Terrace Standard: "B.C. NDP’s pledge of free birth control followed by Liberals, Greens."
2020-10-15 – News 1130: "BC Liberal candidate Laurie Throness resigns from caucus after controversial comments."
2020-10-15 – The Abbotsford News: "BC Liberal MLA Laurie Throness resigns from campaigning."
2020-10-15 – CBC News: "BC Liberal candidate compares free contraception to eugenics."
2020-10-15 – Castanet: "Candidate facing criticism."
2020-10-15 – Huffington Post: "B.C. Liberal Candidate Laurie Throness Compares Free Birth Control To Eugenics."
2020-10-15 – Vancouver Sun: "Throness back on hot seat over statement on NDP contraception plan."
2020-10-15 – Vernon Morning Start: "Vernon 10th in B.C. to endorse free birth control."
2020-10-15 – Surrey Now Leader: "BC Liberal leader rebukes candidate comparing free birth control to eugenics."
2020-10-15 – North Shore News: "Free contraception like selective breeding: controversial Liberal candidate Laurie Throness."
2020-10-15 – News 1130: "B.C. Liberal Laurie Throness slammed for comparing free birth control plan to eugenics."
2020-10-14 – Victoria News: "B.C. NDPs free birth control pledge a win for equality, will pay for itself: advocates."
2020-10-14 – Vernon Matters: "Council backs gender equity for birth control costs."
2020-10-12 – Prince George Matters: "B.C. New Democrats promise renter's rebate, rent freeze as parties ready for debate."
2020-10-11 – The Indo-Canadian Voice: "BC NDP: Free contraception will boost health outcomes, fight gender inequality, save money."
2020-10-11 – Global News: "BC NDP pledge free prescription contraception, Liberals would scrap seniors’ driver exam fee."
2020-10-11 – Global News: "Vernon council to consider motion on free prescription contraception."
2020-10-11 – CBC News: "B.C. NDP promises free prescription contraception if elected."
2020-10-11 – Castanet: "NDP promises birth control."
2020-10-11 – Vancouver Sun: "B.C. NDP promises free prescription contraception if elected."
2020-10-11 – Burnaby Now: "BC NDP promises free female contraception at a cost of $60M annually."
2020-10-09 – The Orca: "When rights become reality."
2020-10-08 – Victoria Buzz: "Advocates applaud BC NDP promise of free contraception."
2020-10-07 – Daily Hive: "BC NDP promises to make prescription contraception free."
2020-10-07 – Cranbrook Daily Townsman: "Sparwood dodges request for support for free contraception."
2020-09-30 – Radio Canada Phare Ouest: "Contraceptifs gratuits en Colombie-Britannique : on en est où?"
2020-09-28 – Cranbrook Daily Townsman: "Cranbrook and Kimberley Councils support initiative calling on BC Gov. to cover prescription contraception."
2020-09-25 – Fraser Velley News: "2020 UBCM Meeting – Union of British Columbia Municipalities Supports Free Prescription Contraception."
2020-09-25 – New Westminster Record: "New Westminster supports universal no-cost contraception."
2020-09-23 – Turn Me On Podcast: "Access to Contraception."
2020-09-12 – The Star: "Is Free Contraception Finally Coming to BC?"
2020-09-12 – The Tyee: "Is Free Contraception Finally Coming to BC?"
2020-09-09 – The Squamish Chief: "District of Squamish to discuss free menstrual products in municipal buildings."
2020-09-04 – Squamish Reporter: "Squamish council supports free birth control prescription."
2020-08-28 – My East Kootenay Now: "Campaign for free contraceptives brought to the East Kootenay."
2020-08-17 – The Sunday Night Health Show: "COVID on the rise again, Insomnia, and spotting a Narcissist."
2020-06-10 – Hansard: "Devon Black's Presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and government Services - Transcript."
2020-06-10 – Hansard: "Devon Black's Presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and government Services - Audio."
2020-05-27 – West Coast Leaf: "BC Gender Equity Report Card 2019/2020."
2020-05-16 – Mission Spooky Podcast: "Bonus Bites #10: Spooky British Columbia: Part 1."
2020-03-06 – Boundary Sentinel: "Vancouver City Council supports free prescription birth control."
2020-03-03 – Castlegar Source: "Vancouver City Council supports free prescription birth control."
2020-02-26 – News 1130: "Two Vancouver city councillors want all birth control in B.C. to be free."
2020-02-20 – Saanich News: "No-cost birth control not included in 2020 B.C. budget."
2020-02-15 – New Westminster Record: "Letter: B.C. funding free contraception is the humane choice."
2020-02-13 – eNow: "Letter: It’s time for universal no-cost prescription contraception."
2020-01-30 – Kelowna Daily Courier: "Letter: Free contraception is a human right."
2020-01-26 – Times Colonist : “Our Community: Victoria joins call for no-cost contraception.”
2020-01-24 – Global News: "City of Victoria calls on province to fund free birth control."
2020-01-24 – Radio Victoria: “Contraception financée par la province : Le conseil municipal de Victoria en discute.”
2020-01-23 – Sooke News Mirror: “Victoria council will debate support for provincially funded birth control.”
2020-01-18 – Times Colonist: "Women's March in Victoria calls for equality."
2020-01-17 – CFAX 1070: "Abortion doula: Abortion help is available."
2020-01-17 – Times Colonist: “Women’s march in downtown Victoria on Saturday.”
2020-01-14 – CFAX 1070: “Adam Stirling, Hour 3 – January 14.”
2020-01-14 – Saanich News: "B.C. advocacy group ‘optimistic’ 2020 provincial budget will fund free birth control."
2020-01-14 – CFAX 1070: "Campaign group pushing for free prescription contraceptives in BC."
2020-01-12 – Vancouver sun: "Campaign for free prescription contraception ramps up ahead of B.C. budget."

2019

2019-12-22 – Times Colonist: "Our Community: Red Umbrella Day calls for sex workers’ safety."
2019-10-02 – Georgia Straight: "Sarah Leamon: Universal contraception makes good social and financial sense for Canada."
2019-09-26 – Daily Hive Vancouver: “Group says prescription contraception should be free across BC.”
2019-09-26 – Victoria New: "Groups call on province for free prescriptions on World Contraception Day."
2019-09-25 – CTV News: "The pill should be free across B.C., groups argue on Gender Equality Week."
2019-08-00 – Times Colonist: "Our Community: Group backs B.C. push for free contraception."
2019-08-00 – BC Humanist Association: “BC Humanist Association Podcast - Bree Gardner from AccessBC.”
2019-06-22 – Hansard: "Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff presentation to the Budget 2020 Consultation Committee."
2019-03-26 – Radio Canada: “Une campagne pour le remboursement des contraceptifs féminins. ”
2019-03-10 – Times Colonist: "Campaign aims to remove contraception barriers."
2019-03-08 – CHEK News: “Saanich advocacy group calls for free prescription contraception in B.C.”
2019-03-07 – Oak Bay News: “Provincial campaign started in Saanich calls for free prescription contraception.”