B.C. researchers found a significant bump in prescriptions per month after the province made contraceptives free in April, 2023.Rich Pedroncelli/The Associated Press
When a group of Canadian researchers evaluated B.C.’s universal coverage for contraceptives, they uncovered data they say warrants further study on how misinformation could be affecting use among younger women.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the team found a significant immediate bump in prescriptions per month across all age groups after the province made contraceptives free starting in April, 2023. But the researchers also saw “steep declines” both before and months after the policy was introduced, among women aged 20-29.
Their study, published this week in the BMJ, said that drop was consistent with reports in other settings, including Britain, attributed to false or inaccurate information on social media.
Medical misinformation is a growing concern among health professionals who fear that anti-science sentiments are shared widely on social-media platforms and fuel mistrust of evidence.
Obstetricians and gynecologists are increasingly worried about online influencers who tell followers to get off hormonal contraceptive methods, such as the pill. Many suggest women should track their menstrual cycles on their cellphones and take their temperature daily, which doctors say is not effective and will result in unwanted pregnancies.
Canadian gynecologists concerned social media is reshaping perspectives about effective contraception methods
Lead author Laura Schummers, an assistant professor with the University of British Columbia and a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist, said more information is needed to understand this issue in the Canadian context. But she said the data offers a “first look” at how this phenomenon could be occurring in Canada.
What is clear from the findings, she said, is that universal coverage is essential to equip women with the tools they need to choose contraception that works for them.
“That might be even more important now, given that there are other forces at play that might be pushing people away from using effective contraception,” said Prof. Schummers.
“The best-available evidence tells us we need to remove cost-related barriers immediately across the country to ensure that contraception choices are driven by preference, evidence, and not cost.”
Amanda Black, who is also one of the study’s authors and a past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has previously sounded the alarm about how contraceptives are questioned by people in their 20s, who are increasingly exposed to debunked information online.
In an interview this week, Dr. Black said the study’s findings demonstrate that cost is a barrier. Younger people, she said, are more inclined to use effective methods when they are publicly available.
Dr. Black is among a group of medical professionals who want the federal government to implement public coverage for contraceptives and other medications.
“Someone in Ontario should have the same access as someone in B.C. for something that has such a significant impact on gender equality and gender equity,” she said.
Reproductive health advocates and pharmacare proponents are concerned over whether Ottawa is willing to pursue additional funding agreements with provinces and territories that would see public coverage for some diabetes medications and supplies, along with contraceptives.
B.C., Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Yukon have inked pharmacare deals. Negotiations were paused with other provinces and territories during the spring election campaign.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel was asked last week whether the new Liberal government is committed to securing other deals. She said it was a new government in a new context.
“We have to have discussions with the provinces to see how we can support them,” she said.
UBC research shows increase in birth-control use after province made contraception free
In response to the minister’s comments, the federal NDP, as well as a number of health organizations and groups, have issued statements pushing the Liberal government to sign additional deals with the other provinces and territories.
Prof. Schummers said that B.C.’s public coverage made it clear that cost affects the kind of contraceptives used. There was a 49-per-cent increase in long-acting reversible contraceptives dispensed monthly, she said, adding that this is a massive policy effect.
“That tells us that the previous mix of private and public insurance coverage was simply inadequate to enable people to use contraception if they want to, and to choose their preferred method.”
