A doctor says free birth control for Manitobans without an insurance plan will be a game changer — for those who want to use the drugs as contraceptives and those who don’t.
“This isn’t only about contraception — this is about managing periods and other symptoms that can come with hormonal changes,” Dr. Jacqueline Gougeon said at a news conference Thursday with Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, most of the women in the NDP caucus and health-care professionals.
On Tuesday, the Free Press reported the NDP government would be fulfilling its campaign promise to provide free contraceptives to those without a drug plan starting Oct. 1 at a cost of about $11 million a year. On Thursday, the province said it will cover the full cost of about 60 commonly used prescription birth-control methods including the pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and hormone injections and implants. The morning-after pill, which is available without a prescription, is not on the list.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Family physician Dr. Jacqueline Gougeon said access to free birth control will also benefit women and transgender patients who struggle with dysfunctional bleeding.
“It’s the right thing to do for health care and reproductive justice,” Asagwara said. “It’s what Manitobans have been asking for for years. It’s what health-care providers have been asking for for years.”
Gougeon, who provides obstetrical and newborn care, said she’s thrilled she can now make treatment decisions for patients based on their needs instead of their finances.
“I’ve seen young women roll the dice with short-term contraceptive options rather than having access to reliable long-acting contraception, simply due to cost,” said Gougeon, who is based out of ACCESS St. Boniface where she provides obstetrical and newborn care.
The doctor also singled out working women without a drug plan and transgender patients, for whom the new program will make a difference.
“I’ve cared for transgender patients who struggle with irregular bleeding when an IUD could certainly help manage their symptoms. I’ve seen hard-working perimenopausal women without insurance who can’t afford the IUD that would surely help reduce their bleeding, avoiding anemia and other complications arising from dysfunctional bleeding,” she said.
Many women seeking contraceptives are not seeking contraception. Some seek ways to manage irregular and painful bleeding, acne and dysmenorrhea, or painful periods.
“Having that autonomy as a woman or a person with a uterus to be able to decide to not have periods is incredibly empowering,” said Gougeon.
Gougeon said an IUD could resolve many problems she sees from patients, but since the device hasn’t been covered, some opt for surgeries that are covered by Manitoba Health — but are much more costly.
“I can think of a number of patients right now that will be very happy to know that Oct. 1 they can get their implant, they can get their IUD and they don’t need to wait,” she said.
The doctor, who trains family medicine residents and students at the University of Manitoba, expects a surge in demand from patients interested in an IUD or implant insertion.
“I’m happy to take on more patients and I’m sure many of my colleagues are, as well, for this when the access is available for our patients,” she said.
carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
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