Media

Press Releases and Statements

Calls for Australia to make contraception free following similar moves by British Columbia, parts of Europe

ABC News, Australia

April 12, 2023

As parts of Europe and Canada start to provide free access to contraception, women's rights and sexual health advocates are trying to build momentum toward a similar change in Australia. Last month, British Columbia became the first Canadian province to make prescription contraception free for all residents.

F*ck The Patriarchy - Free Access To Prescription Contraception in BC

Sick Boy Podcast,

April 12, 2023

This week the fellas are joined by Sara (an NP) and Teale (PHD in International Studies) from AccessBC. They discuss the high cost of prescription contraception in British Columbia and how it impacts access for those who need it the most. They highlight the significant cost of different methods, including the intrauterine device, oral contraceptive pills, and hormone injections. Lucky for us, AccessBC promotes universal coverage for prescription contraception. The campaign believes that providing access to free contraception is not only the right thing to do for vulnerable populations, but it also reduces gender inequality, improves health outcomes for parents and children, and makes good fiscal sense. The good news is that the policy has been included in the 2023 provincial budget, and as of April 1, 2023, prescription contraception in BC will be free!

British Columbia’s coverage of contraceptives should inspire the rest of North America

The Conversation,

April 10, 2023

As of April 1, 2023 all residents of British Columbia gained access to free prescription contraception. This includes the birth control pill, injections and implants, IUDs and emergency contraception known as Plan B or the “morning after” pill.

B.C. begins to rollout free prescription contraceptives for all residents

CHEK News, April 1, 2023

The province has begun offering free prescription contraceptives to all British Columbia residents. B.C.’s Finance Minister Katrine Conroy announced last month that the province would commit $119 million for three years of free prescription contraceptives to all residents as part of the B.C. Budget.

reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-0SvxwtTqhsQ-unsplash-e1678468174119-1536x768.jpg

No-cost contraception is the leadership Canada needs to follow

The Hill Times, March 13, 2023

On Feb. 28, the British Columbia government took historic action and said it will become the first province in Canada to provide universal no-cost coverage for prescription contraception.

B.C.’s groundbreaking plan to fund birth control

The Decibel, March 9, 2023

British Columbia revealed its 2023 budget on Feb. 28. It introduced a host of new spending measures including a first in Canada: A plan to make contraception universally available in the province free of charge. Globe health reporter, Carly Weeks explains why reproductive health experts are celebrating the move and what this could mean for funding contraception in the rest of the country.

The grassroots movement that made contraception free in B.C.

Vancouver Sun, March 5, 2023

When prescription contraceptives become free starting April 1, it will be the culmination of an effort begun seven years ago by a grassroots group called AccessBC that had its start in a Vancouver Island kitchen as a back-of-the-envelope rough idea.

Health Benefits, Savings Seen in New Free Contraception Plan

The Tyee, March 2, 2023

British Columbia will be the first province or territory to make prescription contraception free starting April 1, a move one expert said offers “a beacon of hope” for the rest of the country. This week’s provincial budget allotted $119 million over the next three years to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for prescription contraceptives including oral hormonal pills, contraceptive injections, sub-dermal implants, copper and hormonal IUDs and Plan B, the morning-after pill

Why is it important to have free access to contraception for people in BC?

CFAX 1070, March 2, 2023

Warren speaks with Dr. Ruth Habte, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Resident Physician at UBC, AccessBC Campaign Organizer.

AccessBC has been advocating for universal, no-cost coverage for prescription contraception in BC since 2017. Starting April 1, 2023, BC will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to make prescription contraception free to all residents.

B.C. to make contraception free — a first in Canada

CBC News, March 1, 2023

On April 1, B.C. will become the first Canadian jurisdiction to make prescription contraception free for all residents, including oral pills, injections, IUDs and the morning-after pill Plan B. Some are hoping other provinces will follow suit.

B.C.’s free contraception plan renews push for Ottawa, other provinces to follow suit

Global News, March 1, 2023

Proponents of British Columbia’s move to provide free prescription contraception say the policy could spur other provinces to follow suit but a national plan would best serve people’s reproductive needs and slash health-care costs overall.

hormonal-birth-control-pills-1-3627319-1627403543693.jpg

B.C. making prescription contraceptives free this year

CTV News, February 28, 2023

The B.C. government says it will be the first province in Canada to make prescription contraceptives free for all residents. The province says its free prescription contraceptive program will begin on April 1. The new program was announced during the province's 2023 budget overview, which was released Tuesday. The province says it will spend $119 million over the next three years for the program.

Advocates seek funding for free contraception in next B.C. budget

Globe and Mail, Dec. 8, 2022

A B.C. advocacy group says it’s going to push the government to fulfill a promise to cover the cost of prescription contraception, and for it to be included in the next provincial budget. The B.C. NDP promised to make prescription contraception free for all as part of its 2020 campaign, in what would be a first for a provincial government.

2022

2022-12-15 – MoveUp: "Recap: 2022 BC Federation of Labour Convention."
2022-12-14 – CBC Radio: "Radio West with Sarah Penton."
2022-12-14 – CBC Radio: "On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko."
2022-12-13 – The Calgary Herald: "Province pushed to honour pledge to pay for prescription contraception."
2022-12-13 – CBC Radio: "The Current with Matt Galloway."
2022-12-11 – Radio Canada: "Access BC réclame la contraception gratuite promise par le gouvernement."
2022-12-09 – CTV News: "Advocates push for free contraception in next B.C. budget."
2022-12-09 – Asia-Xiaoxi: "倡导者在下一个 BC 预算中寻求免费避孕的资金.
2022-12-08 – Global News: "Advocates seek funding for free contraception in next B.C. budget."
2022-12-08 – WhatsNow: "Les défenseurs recherchent un financement pour la contraception gratuite dans le prochain budget de la Colombie-Britannique."
2022-12-08 – Globe and Mail: "Advocates seek funding for free contraception in next B.C. budget."
2022-12-08 – Kibrishaber: "Avukatlar, bir sonraki BC bütçesinde ücretsiz doğum kontrolü için fon arıyor."
2022-10-05 – Kelowna Now: "Renee Merrifield: Contraception should be free for women in BC."
2022-10-04 – Castanet: "Government needs to deliver of promise of free contraception."
2022-10-04 – The Tea with Laura and Rachele Podcast: "The Abortion Episode (Part Four): Free Birth Control For All."
2022-09-27 – The Tea with Laura and Rachele Podcast: "The Abortion Episode (Part Three): Reproductive Justice + the Facts on Abortion Procedures & Contraception."
2022-09-08 – Unifor: "Unifor signs Reproductive Justice Manifesto."
2022-09-07 – BC Medical Journal: "AccessBC: The case for no-cost contraception in British Columbia."
2022-08-27 – BMC Health Services Research: "Emergency contraception subsidy in Canada: a comparative policy analysis."
2022-08-27 – The Runner: "BCFS endorses campaign for free contraceptives in B.C."
2022-08-12 – Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: "Report on the Budget 2023 Consultation." (p.66)
2022-08-11 – The Ubessey: "AMS joins calls for free prescription contraception."
2022-08-10 – Nexus: "BCFS supports free contraception."
2022-07-26 – The Tea with Laura and Rachele Podcast: "Understanding Abortion Rights In Your Country | history of abortion in Canada & how you can stand up for reproductive rights."
2022-07-22 – Richmond News: "B.C. students call out BC NDP for delaying free birth control."
2022-07-22 – Vernon Matters: "B.C. students back demand for free prescription contraception."
2022-07-21 – Aborsh Podcast: "Structural Racism in Healthcare."
2022-07-05 – Politics Today: "Advocates slam lack of surgical abortion services in Fraser Health hospitals."
2022-06-28 – RetNews: "Canadians protest the Roe v. Wade reversal in U.S., but advocates reveal where Canada is failing."
2022-06-27 – YahooNews: "'Abortion is healthcare': Canadians protest the Roe v. Wade reversal in U.S., but advocates reveal where Canada is failing."
2022-06-26 – The Globe and Mail: "Canadians protest Roe v. Wade reversal, fear LGBTQ rights could be under threat."
2022-06-26 – CTV News: "Overturning of Roe v. Wade condemned at Vancouver rally."
2022-06-25 – CBC News: "'The grief and the anger is very real': B.C. officials, advocates react to U.S. abortion rights decision."
2022-06-24 – Vancouver Sun: "Abortion rights groups call on B.C. to address gaps in access."
2022-06-24 – BurnabyNow: "Roe v. Wade overturned, bringing B.C.'s reproductive access into focus."
2022-06-08 – Times Colonist: "Physician shortage limits access to abortion on Island: doctor."
2022-05-15 – The Ubyssey: "‘Our bodies are not political playgrounds’: Protestors gather downtown for reproductive rights rally."
2022-05-14 – Global News: "Advocates rally in support of abortion rights in Vancouver."
2022-05-14 – CityNews, Vancouver: "Abortion rights supporters in Vancouver rally in solidarity over post-Roe American future."
2022-05-12 – Hansard Blues: "Budget Estimates: Health."
2022-05-12 – CTV News, Vancouver: "March for Life in Victoria attracts hundreds amid U.S. abortion debate."
2022-05-12 – City News, Vancouver: "Advocates press B.C. Liberal leader to clarify stance on free contraception, access to safe abortion."
2022-05-12 – CityNews, Vancouver: "'Not just a U.S. issue': Advocates urge feds to broaden safe abortion access in Canada."
2022-05-11 – Vancouver Is Awesome: "How the U.S. abortion paper leak is bringing B.C.'s reproductive access into focus."
2022-05-06 – The Tyee: "BC’s abortion problem is access, not laws."
2022-05-05 – CFAX 1070: "US Supreme Court considering reversal of Roe v. Wade: Leaked Document."
2022-05-05 – Radio Canada: "L’accès à l’avortement est toujours difficile dans les milieux ruraux en C.-B."
2022-05-04 – CBC Radio - The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn: "We hear from an OBGYN for her thoughts on the news that Roe v Wade may be overturned in the U.S."
2022-05-03 – CBC News: "Leaked Roe v. Wade draft puts B.C. abortion access in the spotlight."
2022-04-26 – CTV News: "Saanich endorses call for free contraception in B.C."
2022-04-26 – Vancouver Island Free Daily: "Saanich council joins push for free prescription contraception."
2022-04-05 – Energetic City: "NRRM pens letter in support of no-cost prescription contraception to B.C.’s health minister."
2022-04-01 – Daily Hive: "Opinion: Gas rebate cheques do nothing for BC's affordability crisis."
2022-03-14 – LUEE Podcast: "Episode 177: Contraception Should Be Free."
2022-03-08 – Vernon Matters: "‘Missed opportunity’ to deliver on free contraception in Budget 2022: AccessBC."
2022-03-08 – Times Colonist: "Green MLA calls on province to deliver free contraception, as promised."
2022-03-08 – BC Greens: "B.C. Greens call for free contraception."
2022-03-04 – Quebec News: "Les défenseurs de la contraception gratuite ont déçu que la promesse électorale n’ait pas été financée dans le budget 2022 de la Colombie-Britannique."
2022-03-03 – CBC: "Advocates for free contraception disappointed election promise wasn't funded in 2022 B.C. budget."
2022-02-28 – Radio Victoria: "L’absence de la contraception gratuite au budget 2022."
2022-02-28 – Politics Today: "No free contraception in B.C.’s 2022 budget."
2022-01-15 – Saanich News: "Saanich dragging its feet on endorsing free contraception."

2021

2021-12-08 – BC Humanist Association: "AccessBC: It's time for free prescription contraception in BC!"
2021-11-15 – Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: "Report on the Budget 2022 Consultation." (p.104)
2021-11-10 – The Cascade: "A hard pill to swallow: contraception should be free."
2021-10-28 – Hansard Blues: "Question Period - October 28, 2021."
2021-10-28 – Hansard Video: "Question Period - October 28, 2021."
2021-10-05 – Options for Sexual Health: "Recap: Rally for Reproductive Rights and Justice."
2021-09-27 – Prince George Daily News: "Sexual and reproductive health advocates call for free prescription contraception."
2021-09-26 – The Public Health Insight: "Access to Free and Effective Contraception is a Basic Human Right."
2021-09-25 – Radio Victoria: "Campagne pour la gratuité des contraceptifs sous ordonnance: Entrevue avec Teale Phelps Bondaroff."
2021-09-23 – CGSHE: "Reproductive Justice, Health Equity & the Campaign for No-Cost Contraception in BC - Dr. Ruth Habte."
2021-09-16 – Castanet: "Call for free contraception: AccessBC campaign seeks free prescription contraception for B.C. women."
2021-09-15 – New Westminster Record: "Campaign calls for free prescription contraception across B.C."
2021-07-26 – Saanich News: "Saanich-based group continues its call for no-cost birth control."
2021-07-21 – Comox Valley Record: "Physician asking Courtenay council for support for no-cost prescription contraception."
2021-06-20 – Parksville Qualicum Beach News: "Parksville council receives letter from B.C.’s health minister regarding free prescription contraception."
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."
2019-12-05 – CTV News: "Universal contraceptives? B.C. premier says province open to the idea."
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.”