B.C. budget to pay for free contraception, a first in Canada

B.C. will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to make prescription contraception free to all residents. Funding of $119 million over the next three years will allow full coverage for prescription contraception. It includes oral hormone pills, contraceptive injections, intrauterine hormonal devices, subdermal implants and Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill. While only representing a small portion of billions of dollars in spending for health initiatives, including nearly $1 billion for mental health and addictions treatments, the province's health minister believes it's a priority for the government to help residents have control over their reproductive rights. The policy could spur other provinces to follow suit but proponents of B.C.'s plan say a national plan would best serve people’s reproductive needs and reduce overall healthcare costs..