Access to contraception (birth control) is an important factor in health equity. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as copper and hormonal IUDs, injectables, and vaginal rings are among the most effective forms of birth control. LARCs also come with high out-of-pocket costs for individuals in most of Canada.

In April 2023, the government of B.C. introduced universal coverage for contraceptives, making LARCs free for all provincially insured B.C. residents.

Researcher and WHRI Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Laura Schummers and her team at UBC took this unique opportunity to study the policy’s effect on prescription contraception and LARC use. They found that removing cost as a barrier to access increased contraception use across the province by 49% and increased the proportion of individuals choosing LARCs over other available methods.