Partly inspired by U.S. politics, Quebec Solidaire pitches free access to all contraception
Saying it wants to further strengthen women's ability to decide "if and when they want children," Québec Solidaire is proposing a program that would create free access to all forms of contraception.
The party says it would like to include "all hormonal contraception" in public RAMQ coverage.
It would also like to facilitate the distribution of barrier methods, such as condoms.
"Pill, condom, IUD, diaphragm… whatever the method, a supportive government will make contraception free in Quebec," the party later added in a tweet.
In a press release, party co-spokesperson Manon Massé said she was worried about the recent setbacks in access to abortion in the United States.
The best reaction, she argued, is to "keep moving forward to allow women to be in full control of their lives."
The Solidaire co-spokesperson said she fears that economic constraints deprive people of access to contraception, and that the recent significant increase in the cost of living is accentuating this risk for many low-income women.
Québec Solidaire says it's inspired by a recommendation from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, which sees free contraception as a way to reduce the cost of health care related to unwanted pregnancies.
In Quebec, that overall bill -- the amount needed in relation to unwanted pregnancies -- adds up to several tens of millions of dollars per year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 23, 2022, with files from CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.