Action Canada has always been guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of where you live, what job you have, or what’s in your bank account, should have the ability to make autonomous decisions about your health and reproduction. This week Canada took a significant step towards that future.
The Senate of Canada has passed a landmark pharmacare legislation without amendments, marking a significant victory and promising strides for healthcare access and reproductive rights across the country.
Key Highlights
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The bill establishes a framework for national universal pharmacare
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Initial coverage will include diabetes medications and contraceptives
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Experts hail the move as transformative for millions of Canadians
Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health
This legislation represents a major step forward for sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada. By providing universal access to contraceptives, the bill will:
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Empower individuals to make informed choices about family planning
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Eliminate financial barriers to accessing birth control
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Reduce overall costs for the healthcare system
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Promote gender equality and bodily autonomy
“This is a historic day for reproductive rights in Canada” says Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Co-Director of Advocacy and Policy, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. “No one should have to choose between paying groceries and accessing the contraception of their choice. We’ve taken a huge step forward towards gender equality, health equity and economic fairness.”
Benefits for All Canadians
While the initial focus is on contraceptives and diabetes medications, the bill lays the groundwork for comprehensive pharmacare coverage in the future. This approach aims to:
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Improve health equity across the country
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Reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential medications
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Enhance Canada’s bargaining power with pharmaceutical companies
The Road To This Victory
For years Action Canada has been pushing for universal coverage of contraception. This historic victory is the result of countless policy briefs, panels and parliamentary meetings to push for progress. We are thrilled to celebrate this win alongside a broad coalition of partners who played critical roles in the movement.
As Canada moves towards a more comprehensive pharmacare system, this legislation marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare journey, promising improved access to essential medications for all Canadians. We urge provinces to follow BC’s lead and commit to implementing Pharmacare at the provincial level.
This victory is a reminder that when we work together, change is possible!
MEDIA CONTACTS
Quinn Lazenby
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
613-241-4474 x 13200