New Democrats will make birth control free, ensure reproductive choice for all Nova Scotians

HALIFAX – Today, Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender announced that a New Democrat government will make birth control free, saving Nova Scotians hundreds of dollars a year and removing an unnecessary barrier to reproductive health care. The NDP is committed to improving reproductive health care by expanding surgical abortion and midwifery services across the province.

“Many Nova Scotians who use birth control are paying hundreds of dollars every year. When you’re already spending more than you can afford on housing, groceries, and other essentials, this is an unnecessary and unjustified barrier to health care,” said Chender. “New Democrats have always championed fair, equitable access to reproductive health. Today, we’re here to tell you that under a New Democrat government, birth control will be free for anyone who needs it.”

Unlike Houston’s Conservatives, a New Democratic government will work quickly to sign a bilateral agreement with the federal government under the federal Pharmacare Act for universal coverage of contraception.

“Nova Scotian women deserve to be able to make choices about their birth control, their body and their life without worrying that their pill or an IUD doesn’t fit in their budget. Everyone could be getting free birth control right now – but Tim Houston hasn’t even bothered to start talks about Nova Scotia’s deal,” said Chender. “New Democrats believe in fewer costs for families, not more – and respect for women’s choices, not barriers. We believe it’s urgent that we deliver free birth control for Nova Scotia right now.”

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