The Canadian Government has announced its intention to make common contraceptives like the pill and IUDs free.
It will also help cover the costs of diabetes medication.
To implement these reforms, the Federal Government needs the support of its provinces (like states) which administer health care.
Contraceptives
Canada’s government said it aims to cover the full costs of contraceptives for over nine million women in the country. Alongside the pill and IUDs, it will include emergency contraception (the morning-after pill).
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Women should be free to choose the contraceptives they need without cost getting in the way. So, we’re making contraceptives free.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said: “This is every woman’s fundamental right… Not being able to control your body means you don’t control your life, and that’s not right.”
Diabetes
The plan also includes a commitment to subsidise the cost of diabetes medications including syringes and glucose test strips.
It said more than 3.7 million people in Canada need access to diabetes medication, making it one of the country’s most common chronic diseases.
The government also said the number of Canadians with diabetes has doubled in the past decade. It’s expected to cost the healthcare system $CA39 billion ($AU44b) by 2028.
