By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer
As of June 1, BC pharmacists can assess and prescribe to patients for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives that initially required a visit to a clinic to receive a prescription. Minor conditions on the list include hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, pink eye, and shingles.
BC became the first province to offer free prescription contraception for all residents enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) on April 1. PharmaCare covers the total cost of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormone implants, hormone injections, and emergency oral contraception.
The Peak connected with Dr. Ruth Habte, AccessBC campaign organizer, Obstetrics and Gynaecology resident at UBC, and former pharmacist, to discuss AccessBC’s goals and get more information regarding accessible healthcare in the province.
AccessBC is an organization whose mission is to “remove barriers involving access to prescription contraception.” The group was established in 2017 and engages in advocacy for free contraception. They achieved that mission this April.
“I think it being in the public sphere that contraception is now available at no cost has certainly brought sexual health care to the forefront of people’s minds,” Dr. Habte said. “I’m finding now that on forums, walking down the street, people [are] just talking about the fact that their contraception is free and that they’re looking at different options that are available to them.”
The first forms of commercial contraception were invented in the 1950s through the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, who created the first birth control pills. However, the history of contraception can be traced back to Ancient Egypt where Egyptians made birth control, using “honey, acacia leaves and lint to form a cervical cap.”
Dr. Habte touched on how the stigma of contraception continues today: “Stigma is so ingrained in our society, something that, you know, dates back to when contraception was initially made. Being on the news and being on forums and people kind of talking about this overall has helped to decrease the stigma involved in this.”
Christine Antler, a pharmacist and region director of pharmacy for Pharmasave West, said during an interview with The Tyee pharmacists “will still do a clinical assessment on all patients” seeking treatment for one of the listed 21 minor ailments covered. Dr. Habte shed some light on what this means: “I think it’s essential that people understand that there’s still, you know, contraindications to certain medications that can be harmful to someone’s health if they take it.” A contraindication can be anything that prevents the use of a certain medication, such as previous health conditions or allergies, with the fear that it can cause adverse effects.
Dr. Habte detailed how some forms of contraception may not be suitable for some patients due to a family history of blood clotting or migraines. She emphasized the importance of speaking with a healthcare professional who understands contraindications and can work with patients to make individual assessments.
The Peak asked Dr. Habte what the next steps for AccessBC are that will continue to work towards making healthcare more accessible. “There’s still further need for access to birth control. We know that certain groups have reached out to us and said that there’s an unmet need in certain areas.” Dr. Habte also commented that AccessBC hopes to pivot into menstrual products and addressing period poverty, which fits into AccessBC’s campaign of raising awareness and consulting with the government.
To find a pharmacist near you regarding contraception or one of the 21 minor ailments now available to be prescribed, visit https://www.seeyourpharmacist.ca/.
