NDP promises some free birth control options for Manitobans, if elected

The Manitoba NDP says it's intent on strengthening provincial health care, and is promising many free birth control options for Manitobans — if the NDP forms government following the provincial election scheduled for October.

St. Johns MLA Nahanni Fontaine and Union Station MLA Uzoma Asagwara were joined by NDP Leader Wab Kinew and a handful of other NDP candidates, physicians and members of the community for Sunday's announcement in Winnipeg's Rossmere neighbourhood.

The NDP's plan would include universal coverage of several prescription and over-the-counter birth control methods, including the morning-after pill, hormonal injections, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices and oral contraceptives. Condoms are not included.

Asagwara, the party's health critic, said the commitment to offering some free contraception is a game-changer for several groups, including low-income families, people with reproductive health needs and women eager to fully participate in the workforce.

"The impact is huge. We know that there are thousands of Manitobans who do not have access to the birth control and contraceptives that they need and that are best for their health, simply because they cannot afford it," they said. 

The cost to implement the universal coverage of select contraceptives is $11 million per year, according to the NDP.

The party was unable to provide an estimated tally of the number of Manitobans who would be eligible for the contraceptive coverage.

Asagwara says Sunday's announcement stems directly with conversations with the province's health-care employees.

"Unlike Brian Pallister, unlike Heather Stefanson, we're not ignoring the voices of doctors, nurses and allied health-care professionals," Asagwara said.

"Fundamentally, this announcement is about the fact that Manitobans deserve quality health care. They deserve health care that is there for them where and when they need it."

Fontaine, the NDP's house leader, says the movement to offer free birth control options is gaining steam across the country.

Three weeks ago, the British Columbia government announced it will be covering the cost of prescription contraception. That legislation goes into effect on April 1.

The Alberta NDP made a similar promise earlier this month.

"There's a movement towards not only B.C., not only the announcement in Alberta. There's really a movement all over, across the board, in recognizing people's human rights in accessing free contraceptives," Fontaine said.