New Democrats call for immediate action on free birth control, reproductive choice for Nova Scotians

HALIFAX –The Nova Scotia NDP is calling on the Houston government to take immediate action to sign the federal pharmacare deal with Ottawa and make birth control free for all Nova Scotians.

“Everyone deserves barrier-free access to contraception. For many, the cost of these medications is the only reason they’re not able to access them,” said NSNDP Status of Women Critic Susan Leblanc. “Tim Houston must sign the bilateral agreement and work with Ottawa to make birth control free and accessible to all without delay. The federal government has a deal ready, so what’s the holdup? We need to ensure Nova Scotians’ reproductive health needs are being met.”

The high cost of birth control creates unnecessary barriers to reproductive choice, especially as Nova Scotians face rising costs of everything from housing to power to food.

“Providing barrier-free access to birth control would help so many people – from addressing gender-based violence by reducing reproductive coercion to ensuring that everyone has access to the same options for reproductive health care,” said Kari Ellen Graham, founder and co-chair of the advocacy group Access Now Nova Scotia. “The money is on the table from the federal government – we’re letting down Nova Scotians if we don't make a deal to improve their access to medications like birth control.”

The NSNDP has been calling for free birth control in Nova Scotia since 2021. Manitoba and B.C. already provide free birth control for their residents.

-30-