New Brunswick's Contraception Promise Stalls

New Brunswick is facing calls to deliver on its promise of universal, no-cost contraception coverage. Premier Susan Holt had pledged free birth control during her 2024 election campaign, contingent on signing a pharmacare agreement with the federal government. However, over a year later, this agreement remains unsigned, leading to disappointment among reproductive health advocates.

Federal discussions regarding the Canada Pharmacare Act have reportedly stalled, with no current talks between Ottawa and the remaining provinces, including New Brunswick. While the provincial health minister expressed continued interest in federal funding for free contraceptives, Premier Holt indicated a lack of progress, citing a need for flexibility in negotiations.

Advocates highlight the significant lifetime financial and physical burdens of unplanned pregnancies on women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. With New Brunswick's teen pregnancy rate at 5.8 births per 1,000 teenage women in 2024, compared to the national average of four, the need for accessible contraception is underscored.

Concerns have also been raised about potential lobbying efforts by private health insurance companies, which may be negatively impacted by universal pharmacare. Furthermore, advocates link universal contraception access to addressing gender-based violence by ensuring intended pregnancies and reducing reproductive coercion, particularly for those reliant on partners' insurance.