More than 12,000 Manitobans access birth control in 1st month of it becoming free

More than 12,000people have taken advantage offree birth controlin the first month of Manitoba covering the full cost of about 60 commonly used products.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara is pleased with the uptake.

"This investment gives folks the freedom to make the reproductive health choices that are best for them. We are proud to invest in women's health to make reproductive freedom a priority, all while saving Manitobans hundreds of dollars every single month and year," they said during question period in the legislature on Thursday.

Someone who pays $25 a month for oral hormonal pills could save as much as $10,000 over a lifetime underthe new free plan, Asagwarasaid in August,after announcing the birth control coverage would begin Oct. 1.

The exact number of people who tapped into the program in that first month was 12,436, "with many more accessing it each and every day,"Asagwara said.

A spokesperson for the province said the cost for the first free month was $743,528. The province has budgeted $11 million to support the program.

To get the free coverage, Manitobans who do not already have coverage from another federal or provincial program can present their prescription and their Manitoba health card at a pharmacy for a birth control product.

People can get a prescription from their doctor or a nurse practitioner, at a walk-in clinicor in a hospital.

The same month the Manitoba program started, a national pharmacare bill to cover the cost of birth control across the country received royal assent.

Health Minister Mark Holland has said he hopes to have all provinces and territories on board by next spring.

Premier Wab Kinewhas said he is negotiating with the federal government to use that money for other health programs.