More than 11,000 additional women in British Columbia have chosen long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) just 15 months after the province made prescription birth control free. The change highlights how removing cost can reshape reproductive health choices.
Data Shows a Major Shift
A new study by the University of British Columbia and its partners reports a 49% increase in LARC dispensations since B.C. began offering no-cost contraception in April 2023. The researchers reviewed data from nearly 860,000 women aged 15 to 49. They found that high costs—up to $450 for IUDs and implants—had been keeping many from choosing the most effective options.
Simple Policy, Big Impact
The province introduced the free contraception policy with little fanfare. There were no major marketing campaigns—just a clear message from the government: birth control is now free. That alone led thousands of women to opt for LARC methods that had previously been unaffordable.
Why This Matters
LARC methods, such as IUDs and implants, are 10 times more effective than condoms or birth control pills. By making these options free, B.C. has taken a major step in preventing unintended pregnancies and empowering women to take control of their reproductive health.
See also: Top 6 Safest Birth Control Options For Women
Could This Go National?
Dr. Laura Schummers, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at UBC, believes the results make a strong case for similar programs across Canada. She says B.C.’s success could serve as a model for national pharmacare, proving that free access to contraception leads to higher use of the most effective methods.
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