Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is thrilled that the Quebec government announcement will guarantee universal cost coverage of the abortion pill, Mifegymiso. In early July, the province’s government announced that Quebeckers will have access to Mifegymiso at no charge in the fall.
Mifegymiso, the Canadian name for the combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, is the World Health Organization’s gold standard for medical abortion and has been on its list of essential medicines for over a decade. The combination is available in more than 60 countries and has been used for over 30 years with an exceptional safety and efficacy record.
To date, four provinces and a federal program have agreed to cover the cost of Mifegymiso, which ranges from $300 to $450. In promising that the abortion pill will be available to all its health card holders, Quebec is following in New Brunswick, Alberta and Ontario’s footsteps. So far, New Brunswick is the only province to have launched its program.
Action Canada calls on all provincial and territorial governments that have not yet promised free access, to guarantee equal access to medical abortion by ensuring universal cost coverage of the pill. Access to abortion shouldn’t depend on your postal code.
Real choice requires real access! #RealAccessNow
Action Canada will be part of a group of experts joining Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman to discuss access to medical abortion in Canada. The event will be held on July 18 at the Council of the Federation in Edmonton, Alberta.