Quebec petition for free contraception gathers record-breaking support
A groundbreaking petition urging the Quebec government to provide free access to all contraceptive methods has gained tremendous support, garnering nearly 100,000 signatures. This petition, presented by Québec Solidaire MNA Ruba Ghazal in the National Assembly, was initiated by the Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances, a sexual and reproductive health advocacy group. The movement was sparked by concerns following Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, with tens of thousands of Quebecers signing the petition the day after the election.
The petition, which amassed a total of 96,132 signatures by the end of the signing period, highlights the importance of free access to contraception in reducing unplanned pregnancies. Ruba Ghazal emphasized the economic benefits of such a measure, estimating that the government could save $71 million by preventing unplanned pregnancies with an investment of $48 million in free contraception. The petition underscores that 40% of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned, leading to significant public costs and straining the healthcare system.
Notably, this petition is one of the most popular ones in the past 15 years at the National Assembly, ranking sixth overall. It is also the most signed petition since the re-election of the Legault government in 2022. The government is obligated to respond to the petition in writing by the end of January as per the National Assembly’s rules.
Minister for the Status of Women Martine Biron acknowledged the financial burden that contraception costs place on women. However, she emphasized the need for prudent use of public funds, noting that a majority of Quebec women already have insurance covering contraception expenses after deductibles. Discussions are underway with Health Minister Christian Dubé and the federal government on this matter.
Other provinces in Canada have taken steps towards providing free access to contraception, with British Columbia becoming the first province to do so last year. In Manitoba, over 12,000 individuals benefitted from free birth control in October when the province began covering the full cost of commonly used contraceptive products. The Trudeau government also amended legislation earlier this year to enable agreements with provinces and territories for free contraceptives and diabetes medications.
The push for free access to contraception in Quebec reflects a growing recognition of the importance of reproductive health and rights. By addressing barriers to contraception, the government can improve public health outcomes, reduce costs, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
