BC NDP promises to make prescription contraception free

The BC NDP has pledged that, if elected, prescription contraception would be made free for all.

The promise comes as part of the party’s “Working for You”plan, which includes initiatives to improve infrastructure, affordability, energy, and healthcare if elected.

“We will continually review cost thresholds and drug eligibility with the goal of bringing the cost of prescription drugs down for you,” says the BC NDP on its website.

The party explains that “cost should not prevent people — particularly young people — from their right to make choices about their reproductive health.”

And while forms of contraception such as condoms are more accessible, and vasectomies are covered under MSP, prescription contraception, or birth control, is not covered.

“It’s time to make contraception free for all.”

• See also: 
  • BC NPD Leader John Horgan promises free coronavirus vaccine if elected
  • BC Liberals promise to “end the ICBC monopoly” if elected
  • 15 key takeaways from the BC NDP’s election platform

Other health-based promises in the NDP’s election platform include building a new medical school to train more doctors, a 10-year-plan to improve cancer care, and making the COVID-19 vaccine free for everyone once it’s available.

The NDP would also work with the federal government to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use due to the opioid crisis.