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The Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit is calling the province’s decision to offer the abortion pill for free as an important step forward in offering women more autonomy around their reproductive health while opponents says it’s disappointing and not without risk.
On Thursday, it was announced the province is giving women an effective medical alternative to surgical abortion, by covering the cost of Mifegymiso, commonly referred to as an abortion pill, starting on August 10. Mifegymiso is a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol and used to medically terminate early pregnancies (up to 49 days from the start of the last menstrual period).
“We continue to make important progress helping women across Ontario gain access to the health care they need. The commitment to publicly funding Mifegymiso means women across Ontario will have fair and equal access to safe abortion without payment, judgment or exception,” said Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister of the Status of Women during the announcement.
Stephanie McFaul, Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program Manager said this option increases accessibility by reducing a lot of barriers for women related to cost and travel.
Quinte Right to Life spokeswoman Jane Langebeer said the association is very disappointed with the province’s decision as they are against abortion in any form.
The drug Mifegymiso has been available in Canada since January and costs $300 to $450. New Brunswick and Alberta also cover it and the Quebec government plans to do so in the fall.
